Donate $25, $50, $100+ or whatever you can afford to help Eden start the new life she deserves. 

Eden, my former neighbor in Beirut, Lebanon, is now back in the Philippines, reunited with her daughter and grandchildren after 23 years of separation.

Initially, Eden migrated to Lebanon to work as a live-in  domestic worker (housekeeper) in hopes of earning a better future for her loved ones. Yet she found herself trapped in a private home, working for an employer who denied her her most basic freedoms and rights - like the right to a day off. She endured 2 decades of physical and psychological abuse with no interventions until January 30, 2018.

Now, back in her home country, Eden finds herself with no justice and with an empty bank account. Unless we can all collectively move together, to ensure her a future of financial security - Eden's time and suffering in Lebanon will be in vain. Please read her story and contribute as you are able.

Eden’s story:

My name is Eden dela Cerna. This year I was repatriated from Lebanon back to the Philippines because of my employer's maltreatment. I've been away from my family for more than 2 decades to work overseas so that I'll be able to provide with their needs. More than 2 decades of working without a day off, working for more than 12 hours a day, with inadequate rest, having my legal papers confiscated, having 4,000 USD of wages withheld and my basic freedoms and rights denied. I'm separated from the father of my children and I'm the only one who's providing for their needs.

Eden’s dream:

I wanted to have my own computer shop since I'm old, it is time for me to stay here in my country however, since I don't have a stable job, it will be a big help if I will have a business so that I can continue to provide the needs of my children.

Computer shop nowadays here in the Philippines are in demand. Not only for the students but for those who doesn't have their own computers and for those who's renting computers.

How soon are the funds needed:

I came back from Lebanon last February 28, 2018 and up until now, I don't have any source of income. I was waiting for the OWWA assistance however it takes time for them to release the money assistance that I can add up to the possible funds that you (donators) will provide.

Indeed, the funds that you'll be giving is very much needed and could make a life changing difference.

What your support means:

As a mom, working and providing the needs of the family is a never-ending contract. The funds will be a big help for me because you're not only helping one person but, you're also helping me to build the future of my children. Actually, I have a daughter who has a son with ADHD and the cost of my grandson's therapy with the doctor and the special education tuition is a serious thing for my daughter. Her salary is not enough. I wanted to help her and my grandson as well. It will mean a lot

Share how grateful you will be or help:

I wanted to thank all of the people who will help raise the fund as early as now. I know that every person who will be reading my story has a heart to help a person in need. Never ending thank you I will say for those who will lend a hand to help. Again, you're not only helping me but you're helping my family's future. Thank you so much in advance may the Lord God bless your caring hearts.

Break down of costs 

Please read a break down of the 5,000 USD budget: 


How will the money be given to Eden?

This fund is linked to my (Grace Boueri) US debit card. Every month, at the end of the month, I will withdraw the amount raised and transfer, via Moneygram, to Eden's daughter, Hazel. 

We will send pictures of the Moneygram receipts, with photos on the progress achieved on opening the computer shop, for transparency reasons. 

Closing remarks

Migrant domestic workers rights have a long way to go, before domestic work is perceived and treated with respect and protections, like any other form of work. 

Unfortunately, Eden's issues is a global and regional one. Please read one of the many articles written about the Kafala system here, if interested: https://www.hrw.org/report/2010/09/16/without-protection/how-lebanese-justice-system-fails-migrant-domestic-workers 

But today, you can help Eden accomplish her goals and help her feel like the world has heard her story and cares. 

Donate now and please feel free to reach out with any questions, any questions at all.