Today is Labour Day, a key day to spread awareness about the rights and opportunities for the welfare and betterment of every member of the labour force - including the 340,000 Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) in Hong Kong (HK), representing 10 percent of our working population.

Given limited care options for children and the elderly in HK, MDWs have become a critical source of support for many households. Far from being an extravagance, hiring an MDW enables many mothers and daughters with ageing parents to work and earn an income. This reliance is forecast to almost double by 2047, with over 600,000 MDW forecast to be needed to help care for our rapidly ageing population.

In HK, despite its impact and extensiveness, care work is often characterised by invisibility. When a MDW is hired to care for children, this care mostly takes place in the "shadow" of public life - but behind closed doors this work often transforms into a "labour of love".

Available research reports many young adults found growing up with a MDW significantly enriched their childhood. In turn, many MDWs talk with pride about the children they care for, viewing them as being in some sense their own. Further research also indicates only 49% of mothers would be able to join the labour force in HK if they did not employ an MDW, with participation increasing to 78% when an MDW was employed.

In May we will also celebrate Helper Appreciation Month and Mother's Day (Sunday 14 May). Please take these moments to show your care and support to all MDWs in HK, especially the many mothers who leave children behind to give them the opportunity of a brighter future. Please join us in showing respect and appreciation to these incredible women for all they do and sacrifice to help us care for our nearest and dearest.

This month, please also join us for a series of exciting events with Xyza Cruz Bacani - a second generation MDW, who was left behind as a child (at 8 years old) and is now an award-winning photographer, based in New York.

• Children at the Heart of Migration - Register here for an interactive panel discussion and report launch at Bloomberg on Thursday 11 May (4-6pm), in partnership with Dr Lucy Jordan at The University of Hong Kong, followed by networking and drinks (6-8pm). More information below...
   
• Mother's Day Exhibition - Open on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May, with a Grand Opening Party on Friday 12 May (6-9pm) at GiG Ovolo Southside, get your tickets here. More information below...

As always, thank you so much for your ongoing support and friendship - we simply can't do what we do without YOU!!

With much gratitude,
The PathFinders Team 

Join us by investing in the limitless potential of childhood!

Children sit at the heart of everything we do at PathFinders.

• From ensuring children born to migrant mothers in Hong Kong are protected and respected;
• To mobilising children in Hong Kong as Pioneers, trailblazers and agents of change;
• As well as using our voice to call for the best possible outcomes for children left behind in home countries by MDWs

Sow the seeds of generosity TODAY by investing with us in the limitless potential of children.

No donation is too small to make a BIG difference. Every dollar has the power to ensure the children we serve have the chance of a fair start in life and the opportunity to reach their potential.

This is more than a donation! All investments of at least HK$500 made between now and Mother's Day (14 May) will receive a fun and meaningful Pioneers Pack for children aged 6-12 years old!

Pass on this pack to a child you know - they have the potential to be the next changemaker!