Pinay DH in UAE now a computer trainer for fellow DH

With a little training, a Filipino domestic helper (DH) in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates has turned her life around and became a computer trainer for her fellow DH. According to an article on Khaleej Times, Michelle Opalia, 34, a mother of two, availed of free computer training and became a trainer to more than 300 students, 90 percent of whom are also domestic helpers seeking a better job. Khaleej Times said Opalia arrived in Dubai on June 28, 2007, but was duped of a large sum of money for a non-existent job. After Opalia was abandoned in 2007, she was forced to work as a helper even though the salary was only 900 Dirhams (Dh), Khaleej Times said. “I had to accept it just to save myself from being illegal. I am blessed because my Jamaican employers were very kind to me and after months increased my salary to Dh1,000. Later, I got a raise of Dh1,500," Opalia was quoted in the report as saying. Opalia later rose from being a basic computer student in 2009 to a course volunteer coordinator until she eventually became a team leader of Digerati’s Sharjah branch in January 2011, the report said. She currently teaches MS Word, PowerPoint and basic computer and has become a multi-awarded Digerati Toastmaster Club speaker, the report added. “She is an inspiring trainer. Ms. Michelle has a humble heart. She has helped us a lot during the course. I am so proud of her. My sisters and I are looking forward for another opportunity in the coming semester to learn from this organization," said Noura Ali Guloom, an Emirati, in the report. - VVP, GMA News