MaryJane Javillo

This speech was delivered as part of our virtual 5th Graduation Ceremony which was on October 24, 2021. Read more about the ceremony.

Hello! I’m MaryJane Javillo, married with 3 children. I’ve been in Hong Kong for the past 7 years.

When I first came here, I was so inspired and motivated to achieve my dreams and goals not only for my family but also for myself. But achieving them was not as easy as I thought it would be.

With poor knowledge in financial literacy, I’ve been drowning in debt and nearly losing hope.

Fortunately, my employers, Dirk and Marcy (which I want to extend my warmest gratitude to), introduced me to Enrich and sponsored me in the financial and empowerment education workshops.

This pandemic had a big impact for us migrant domestic workers in particular, as this brought us extra stress and anxiety. We are the breadwinners and the main source of income of our families back home, and we need to send more money because our loved ones lost their jobs and they asked us to send more for their needs.

As I’ve attended Enrich workshops, I’ve learned how to save, budget, and plan for the future which is very important.

I’ve also learned that a migrant domestic worker who is financially secure is happier, more confident, and able to focus on achieving their goals.

It makes me more motivated, inspired, determined, organized, and has a positive outlook in life and in the future.

I am now able to manage my finances well and achieving my goals one by one. We started to build our house, though it’s not yet fully done. I also purchased a residential lot, and a motorcycle with sidecar which we are using now in our rice retailing delivery business.

Now I understand that achieving goals is addictive.

WHY? Because the more you achieved the more you desire. So I am now planning to buy a utility van and will build a physical store by God’s grace that will help us expand our small business. I am again applying what I’ve learned from Enrich workshops to make this plan a reality.

This graduation is special for me because it made me realise that it is never too late to learn financial literacy. It helps to boost my self esteem and thought me that achieving goals is not impossible.

Lastly, I would like to say to my fellow graduates that you all did a great job. Continue working out to make your dreams and goals come true. And let us spread the good news of learning financial and empowerment education to our friends, family and loved ones. Let us all aim to be the best model that we can be.

Once again, congratulations to all amazing graduates. Well done!