TLDR;
Helen's story is a harrowing account of her experiences working as a house help in Saudi Arabia. Driven by the desire to provide a better life for her child, she faced numerous challenges, including harsh working conditions, mistreatment, and even sexual harassment. Despite these hardships, her determination to return home and her eventual escape highlight her resilience and faith.
- Helen worked as a house help in Saudi Arabia to provide for her child.
- She faced harsh working conditions, mistreatment, and sexual harassment.
- Helen eventually escaped and returned home with the help of others.
- She hopes to go back to school and provide a better life for her son.
Intro [0:00]
Helen introduces herself as a 29-year-old mother who will share her experiences working in Saudi Arabia. She emphasizes that her journey was a miracle made possible by God's intervention. She decided that enough was enough and wanted to go home immediately. She arrived at the airport with nothing but the clothes she was wearing, as her employer denied her even a sweater.
Background in Kenya [2:15]
Before going to Saudi Arabia, Helen worked as a house help in Kenya for almost 10 years. After having a child in 2016, she found it difficult to continue working as a house help. She returned to the city after five months and secured a job at a hotel, earning approximately $25 per day. Although she managed to plan her life and intended to enroll her child in kindergarten, saving for school fees proved challenging.
Opportunity in Saudi Arabia [3:40]
Helen's former boss, who had previously worked in Saudi Arabia, presented her with an opportunity to work there. Despite hearing negative stories about working in Saudi Arabia, Helen saw it as a chance to change her life and improve her financial situation. Her passport was processed quickly, and she obtained a certificate of good conduct. She underwent a month-long training in Mombasa, learning general housekeeping roles and Arabic meals.
Childhood Hardships [7:03]
Helen reflects on her difficult childhood, marked by hunger and lack of education. She recalls how her family struggled financially, forcing her and her brother to drop out of school and work alongside her mother. Remembering these hardships motivated her to risk everything for a better life for her child.
Loss of Parents [8:28]
Helen discusses the impact of her parents' deaths on her life. Her father's death caused her to withdraw and become a loner, while her mother's illness and subsequent death left her feeling alone and responsible. An incident involving a doctor who made advances towards her while her mother was hospitalized further traumatized her. These experiences influenced her decision to seek opportunities abroad.
Departure and Arrival [14:42]
Helen prepared to travel to Saudi Arabia for a two-year contract, leaving her child in the care of her aunt. She deliberately left early to avoid a painful goodbye. Upon arriving in Riyadh, she experienced culture shock due to the extreme heat and language barrier. Her employer picked her up from the airport and took her directly to their house, where she met the family.
Working Conditions [16:26]
Upon arrival, her employers took her passport and checked her bag. She was promised 900 riyals (approximately $250 USD) per month and initially received the agreed amount. She opted to save half of her salary with her employers' help, trusting them due to her naivety in financial matters. Helen's working hours were long, often sleeping only four hours a night. Her duties included extensive cleaning, cooking, and caring for the children and the woman of the house, who she described as behaving like a queen.
Challenges and Mistreatment [22:19]
Helen faced constant work without rest and felt like she was owned by her employers. She cooked throughout the night during Ramadan and experienced increased challenges. After nine months, she felt she had enough. She was blamed for an incident involving the family's firstborn and punished with extra chores.
Escape and Return [26:03]
Helen ran away from her employer's house, using a T-shirt with the agent's contact details to find her way to the office. She requested a transfer to another house, fearing for her safety if she returned to her former employer. However, the agency refused, and she was forced to go back. The mistreatment worsened, and she was eventually denied a COVID-19 vaccine and permission to return home.
Sexual Harassment [35:07]
Just before Ramadan, the man of the house sexually harassed Helen. This incident triggered traumatic memories of being defiled as a child. The thought of it happening again made her fight back and seek help.
Seeking Help and Escape [45:41]
Helen reached out to Justus for help, who quickly responded and provided support. With pressure from various sources, her employers finally booked a flight for her. They ransacked her bag, formatted her phone, and forced her to sign a document stating she received all her savings, though the amount was half of what they owed her.
Back to Kenya [51:36]
Helen arrived at the airport with nothing but the clothes she was wearing. After two days, her employer sent half of her savings. She was overjoyed to be back home alive and reunited with her son.
Future Aspirations [53:35]
Helen expresses her desire to return to school, as she had to drop out in class six due to financial challenges. She hopes to provide a better life for her son and thanks God, her family, and Justus for their support.