The Welfare Trap

'Economic migrants' is sometimes used as a derogatory term for those who go to another country simply to earn more money. But for people like Ms. Lee who dream of giving children a better education and improving the quality of life for the family, leaving home is often a heartbreaking but necessary choice.

Four years after arriving in Hong Kong, Ms. Lee was divorced and was barely able to make ends meet. With a ten-year-old daughter to care for, she had no idea where she could turn. Her social worker suggested she should apply for Comprehensive Social Security assistance.  It was a temptation but Ms. Lee knew she was young and strong, and she preferred to find another way to support herself and her daughter financially, while still being on hand when her daughter was home from school.

A neighbor suggested Ms. Lee should become a domestic helper, which would enable her to work flexible hours, prepare supper, and share a meal as a family. Ms. Lee approached Christian Action and completed a Foundation Certificate in Domestic Helper Training. After she received her certificate, Ms. Lee gained employment with several households in order to earn a living.

Many people lose the desire to work at all once they have lived on social welfare for a while. Ms. Lee has refused to take what is perceived to be the ‘easy route’, and saved herself from this possibility, determining her own course and being a good role model for her daughter, and other single parents in Hong Kong. I am so pleased that Christian Action is able to train over 10 000 people a year to avoid the social welfare trap!