Building Friendship and Community with CHoW

For many of us, home is where we return to after a long day — where familiar faces, family and everyday routines offer comfort. But for our migrant brothers and sisters, home is thousands of miles away.

Yet amid the distance, they discovered a community they could lean on while being away from home.

Through the Singapore Red Cross’ (SRC) Community Health outreach for Wellness (CHoW) programme, they found new companionship, mutual support and opportunities to give back alongside fellow migrant domestic workers and migrant workers.

This International Friendship Day, we speak to three ladies from CHoW’s Sisters Community on how they found friendship, purpose and a home away from home in Singapore.

Meet Cherry, Tina and Sherlyn

Mai Cherry Win was an operating theatre nurse in Myanmar before moving to Singapore nearly 18 years ago in search of better opportunities. As the sole breadwinner for her family, she works to support not only her parents, but also her nieces’ and nephews’ education back at home. Two years ago, she found a second family through CHoW’s Sisters Community with women who share the same journey.

Sherlyn R. Diez left Bahrain for Singapore with one dream, to build a better life for her loved ones back in the Philippines. A devoted mother of four and grandmother to an eight-year-old, she has spent those years caring for her family and ageing parents from afar. Two years ago, she found a community through CHoW’s Sisters Community; she found friendships that remind her that she is never alone, making life away from home a little brighter and a little easier.

Tina Guardian Esmas has called Singapore her home for the past 32 years. Choosing to build her career here because of its safe environment and proximity to the Philippines, she also shoulders the responsibility of supporting her mother and niece back at home. More than two years ago, she became part of CHoW’s Sisters Community, where the friendships built have become a source of strength and belonging.

How did you find out about CHoW and what made you decide to join?

Cherry: I first heard about CHoW through the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE). When I visited, I really loved the environment and the different activities, so I decided to join the community.

Sherlyn: I came across CHoW while looking through SRC’s website and decided to sign up! I had a lot of fun in the Sisters Community and even started volunteering with the Brothers Community. It’s been a meaningful experience meeting new people while giving back at the same time.

Tina: A friend introduced me to CHoW’s Sisters Community and invited me to join the hike at MacRitchie. I had such a great time that I kept coming back. Through the activities, I’ve learned many new things and made friends from different backgrounds, so it has become something I really look forward to.

Living and working away from home can be challenging. How has the Sisters Community made a difference in your life?

Cherry: Being part of the Sisters Community reminds me that I’m not alone. I’ve made friends, especially from the Burmese community, who are always willing to listen and offer advice. It’s a very open and caring community, and I’ve received so much encouragement from everyone.

Sherlyn: It reminds me that everyone is facing their own challenges, and I’m never alone. We encourage each other, listen without judgement and share advice when someone needs it. Just having people who understand what I’m going through gives me comfort and helps me stay positive.

Tina: The Sisters Community brought so much joy into my life. Whenever we meet, we spend time talking, laughing and sharing our experiences. Even though we don’t see each other often, we always pick up right where we left off. It’s a very healthy and positive community to be part of.

What do you enjoy most about spending time with the Sisters Community?

Cherry: I really enjoy the physical activities like zumba, yoga and volleyball. They help me stay healthy, recharge after work and spend quality time with friends.

Sherlyn: I enjoy celebrating even the little moments together, and I appreciate the outdoor activities which especially lift my spirits and help me recharge.

Tina: For me, it’s the conversations. We laugh together, share meals during potlucks and talk about what’s happening in our lives. I can truly be myself when I’m with them, and I leave feeling refreshed.

You also volunteer with the Singapore Red Cross. What inspired you to give back?

Cherry: I’ve always believed in helping others. As a nurse, my work was about caring for those in need, and I see the Red Cross in the same way. Volunteering allows me to contribute to the community and make a difference in someone else’s life.

Sherlyn: I’ve experienced kindness myself, and I want to pass it on. Back home, I was a nursing aide and I want to use what I know to help others. Whether it’s taking blood pressure and sharing simple health tips with the CHoW community, or supporting blood donation activities, I feel proud whenever I put on the SRC volunteer shirt.

Tina: I haven’t had the chance to volunteer with SRC due to my other volunteering commitments, but I’m looking forward to doing so!

As we celebrate International Friendship Day, who in CHoW’s Sisters Community would you like to thank?

Cherry: I want to say thank you to Nazierah and Jia Qi from SRC for journeying with me! I really appreciate it.

Sherlyn: Thank you, Nazierah, for being so helpful! Even though you don’t know us personally, you’re always so friendly and encouraging. And thank you to everyone in the Sisters Community for being so approachable.

Tina: Thank you, Nazierah, for everything you’ve done for us. Thank you to Cherry and Sherlyn too, for your friendship!