by Gloria
I’ve been a member of The Voice of Domestic Workers for over five years now, and during this time, I’ve learned so much that has truly changed my life. When I first joined, I was just looking for a place where I could find support and connect with others who understood my struggles. But what I found was so much more—a community that has empowered me, educated me, and given me the tools to create a better future for myself.
One of the most important things I’ve gained from being a part of this organization is the knowledge and skills that have helped me improve both personally and professionally. I’m deeply grateful to Teacher Anne, who has been a guiding light for me in learning English. Before I joined The Voice of Domestic Workers, I struggled with communication. I couldn’t express myself as confidently as I wanted to, especially when it came to speaking with my employers or even interacting with others in the community. But through Teacher Anne’s lessons, I’ve gained not only the ability to communicate better but also the confidence to speak up, ask questions, and assert myself when necessary.
Learning English was such an important step for me because it opened so many doors. In this country, where I work, language is often a barrier, and not being fluent can leave you feeling excluded or powerless. But thanks to Teacher Anne, I no longer feel like an outsider. I can communicate with my employers, my colleagues, and others in my community more easily, and I can advocate for myself more effectively. The language skills I’ve gained have made me feel more competent, more capable, and more connected.
I am also incredibly thankful to Teacher Elijah, who has been instrumental in helping me develop my professional skills. Teacher Elijah took the time to teach me how to create a resume, something I had never thought about before. I didn’t even know where to start or what kind of information would be important to include. But through his guidance, I learned how to organize my work history, highlight my strengths, and present myself professionally. He also introduced me to tools like Google Docs, which I had never used before. At first, I felt overwhelmed by the technology, but Teacher Elijah patiently walked me through it, and now I feel more comfortable with these tools. I can manage documents, update my resume, and even apply for better job opportunities—things I never thought possible before.
But the lessons haven’t been just about resumes or language.
Throughout my time with The Voice of Domestic Workers, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of my rights as a worker, the importance of self-advocacy, and the strength that comes from being part of a community. This organization has taught me that we, as domestic workers, are valuable and deserving of respect. We have the right to be treated fairly, to speak up for ourselves, and to pursue opportunities for growth. I’ve learned that it’s okay to ask for better conditions, to demand our fair share, and to not settle for less than we deserve.
Before joining this group, I felt like I was stuck in a cycle, working tirelessly but with little recognition or hope for improvement. Now, I have a sense of purpose and direction. I feel empowered to make changes in my life and to encourage others to do the same. I know that I am not alone in this journey. I have the support of my fellow members, the wisdom of our teachers, and the strength of a community that believes in each other.
Looking back on my journey, I am amazed at how far I’ve come. From a woman who was unsure of her place in the world, struggling with communication and feeling invisible, I have transformed into someone who is confident, skilled, and aware of her worth. The education I’ve received, both in language and in professional development, has made a tremendous difference in my life, and I know that I am now in a much stronger position to create the future I want for myself and my family.
Thank you to Teacher Anne, Teacher Elijah, and to The Voice of Domestic Workers for everything you’ve done for me and for all of us. Your teachings and support have given me more than just skills—they’ve given me the courage to believe in myself and the hope that change is possible. I’m proud to be a part of this movement, and I look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and uplift other domestic workers along the way.From Struggle to Strength: How The Voice of Domestic Workers Transformed My Life
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