Why we exist
Millions of women from the Philippines and Indonesia leave home to support their families left behind. Most end up worse off than when they arrived.
Illegal recruitment fees, loan sharks, scams, family pressures, long working hours and isolation can trap workers before they even begin. Together, these challenges create cycles of vulnerability that are difficult to escape.
Fewer than 10% return home financially secure, while more than 80% carry debt (The Value of Care, Enrich & Experian, 2019). Despite years of working abroad, many are no better off financially than when they left home (Seefar, 2019).
USD 3,100+
Average agency fees in Hong Kong. Up to SGD $5,000 in Singapore. Sometimes equivalent to 20 months of wages.
Source: FADWU 2023; HOME & TWC2 2024
6 to 8 months
Average time to repay recruitment debt from wages alone. Late payments invite harassment from unlicensed lenders. Many workers have no access to a bank account.
Source: Seefar 2019
50 to 60%
Of monthly salary sent home. During the first months abroad, debt repayments come first.
Source: Seefar 2019; Justice Centre Hong Kong 2016
<10%
Return home having met their financial goals. More than 80% carry debt throughout their time abroad.
Source: Seefar 2019
What usually exists
In-person workshops
Fixed schedules that exclude workers with long hours and limited free time
Limited reach and scalability
Led by financial educators and NGO staff
Focused on information sharing rather than behaviour change
What workers need
Learning that is accessible anytime on a smartphone through familiar apps
Support from trusted peers who understand their challenges first-hand
Continuous reinforcement, not one-off interventions
Education that drives behaviour change, not just awareness
So we did it
An innovative and scalable solutions combining accessible online education with community support.
Our free online courses enrol on WhatsApp and Facebook. Trained alumni support new students through every step.
Self-initiated and community-led Uplifters Clubs bring students together in person for continued learning, peer support and social connection.
Our programmes are grounded in behavioural science. We focus on building capacity for change: strengthening skills, sustaining motivation and creating a supportive environment
The model is peer-led by design, because we believe lasting change comes from community, not from top-down programmes.
View our courses