(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) A Filipino nanny in Abu Dhabi will soon be owning a house in her home town thanks to her Emirati employer who has paid for it.
Dina Tenerife Celo, a 45-year old single mother said her employer has gifted her Dh23,000 (approx. 320,000 Pesos) to purchase a plot in Camarines Sur, Philippines.
Her employer Melissa McPike, an American who acquired Emirati citizenship after marrying a UAE local, is also financing the construction of the two-bedroom house, the domestic help told Khaleej Times.
"I don't have a penny as savings even after working in the UAE for two decades. Now my dream is coming true thanks to my madam. I feel lucky and blessed."
The property is registered under the name of Celo's 21-year old son - Ryan.
The domestic help said that when she flies home on January 18 for a full year leave, her employer's son Saeed Al Muhairi, 26, will accompany her to help in the construction of the house.
"When my house is complete, my madam and her two sons have promised to visit and stay as my guests."
On her part, Celo's employer McPike, told Khaleej Times it was the least she could do for Celo by helping her own her dream home.
"We do not consider her as an employee. She is one of our family. She has done so much for me and my children when they were young. I wanted to give her back something," said McPike, a government employee who is now divorced.
Celo came to work for McPike's family in Khalifa City in 1998 after an unsuccessful stint in Saudi Arabia.
"Saeed and Saif (McPike's children) were six and four when I was taking care of them. But after two years, my contract got over, I worked in coffee shops and supermarkets till 2014."
"But I was always in touch with my madam and her sons. She had even offered me to work for her several times, but unfortunately it did not work out."
McPike said in 2014, Celo was looking for a job and she did not hesitate to take her in again.
"I have had many other domestic helps. But none were like Celo. She is trustworthy to the point that I even leave my debit card with her. She is hardworking and worked for us as though she belonged here. Even my children adore her and call her Aunty."
McPike said often it is upsetting to read horror stories about housemaids being mistreated. "But I would like to say that stereotypes are not true. There are so many families that treat their domestic help with respect and love. And they deserve it."
And for Celo, the love and generosity she receives from her employer makes up for other setbacks in life.
"My marriage did not work out and it really took an emotional toll on me. But I am happy my only son is here with me, and I also have a family to call my own in Abu Dhabi."
Anjana Sankar Anjana Sankar is a journalist by profession and a humanist by passion. Her cluttered desk is not indicative of her state of mind.
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