Dubai: Several families in the UAE, who rely on domestic help and nannies, to take care of their homes and children, sent them on an all-expenses-paid cruise last weekend as a token of gratitude for their invaluable services.
As 190 nannies, domestic helpers and caregivers set sail on the seas off the Dubai coast, their joy knew no bounds.
Irene, a Kenyan nanny of two, said, “My boss booked me on the cruise. It’s very nice. I hope to be doing this again and again and again.”
Samudi Hansika Veerasingha, A Sri Lankan nanny, who takes care of two grils aged nine and six for a family in Dubai, said, “My madam is very kind. I had such a good time on the cruise and it will definitely be the best memory from my days in Dubai.”
The brainchild of Helpily, an initiative by two Dubai-based mothers Aditi Menon and Jean Pereira, the cruise was meant to celebrate nannies, domestic help and caregivers.
“These people work so hard and rarely get an avenue to have a good time. They live away from their own children and families. Yet, they work so hard for us and remit most of the money they earn to their families back home,” said Menon.
Having lived in the US for 20 years, Menon, who is the mother of two girls aged nine and six, said, “I feel so blessed that I get house help in Dubai. I can just go to work with a free mind knowing that my girls, are safe and my housework taken care of by my house help. The cruise was just a small way to say thank you to her and her tribe.”
According to her, “Many expats share the feeling. We cannot imagine our lives without the support of our nannies and house help who often go unappreciated.”
Pereira, who has a five-year-old-son, echoes her words.
“As a busy mum, I am constantly on the go – trying to stay fit, school runs, after-school activities, and of course work. Having to run a house, to top it all, requires an extra pair of hands and legs and that’s where my rock, Jenny, comes in. Without her, our home would be in chaos,” she admits.
Periera said a dedicated house help has a hugely positive impact on the family, which must never be taken for granted.
Jenny, who also went on the cruise, is often called the family’s “home engine”.
“My employers are loving, caring and understanding. They are a very cool family. So I am happy to work with them and I love them so much. In fact, I feel I am one of them,” she said.
Last year, Menon and Periera, both of whom are into event management, had organised a gala dinner for nannies at a five-star hotel in Dubai. Over 150 families like theirs had sent their caregivers to the event.
Menon said the only-women cruise, like the earlier gala dinner, gave participants a chance to mingle, helping to foster a community spirit amongst them.
“The cruise, which was a first for many of them, had a lot of activities on board. Besides music and dance, and a sumptuous meal, presents were also given away by Santa, as Christmas is fast approaching.
“While many of us employers tend to give cash as a token of appreciation, we thought the gift of an experience that allowed them a celebration of their own would also make a difference,” said Menon.
