The Maid Who Became An Aide...

Image from National Mirror online

As I went about  my exercise routine early this morning, I came across  a young girl of not more than 12-14 years of age; in an oversize dress looking a bit unkempt and opening the gate of a gigantic building whilst a driver with some well dressed kids in school uniform drove out. As I walked on, just about 3 houses away, I saw a similar scenario; another young girl opening the gate to go empty the garbage. This reminded me of what  I have seen around in churches, supermarkets, everywhere; young girls working as "housemaids" in family settings.


In church, I have seen very small  girls walking behind their "madam" and her 2 kids; carrying two bags and obviously by their dressing, they are the "housemaid". I have seen women curse and beat the hell out of small girls. I have heard of girls being starved because they refused to finish some assigned chores. I have seen Madam's children harass and beat these "housemaids". I have seen children who are unable to do simple domestic chores because Fatima, Joy, Kafayat ; the "housemaid" does all the chores in the house.

Today, I want to talk briefly about the "housemaid syndrome" which is prevalent in this part of the world where I live. This is not a post on the atrocities of house-helps.

The nature of the jobs we do could be very hectic; the typical excuse many people give in getting "housemaids". I know we sometimes need someone to help with our domestic chores. We can't do them alone, I agree. If we however have to employ people to help out, we must ensure we are fair in our dealings with them. Before now, lack of appropriate laws has been a cause of injustice and unfair treatment to these girls in our society. 

Gratefully, The Federal Government has prohibited the employment of children below the age of 12 as domestic helps in a new Act signed by President Goodluck Jonathan titled the "Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015". The highlight of the new law includes a prison term of two years and a possible fine for violators and it also prohibits the exploitation of domestic helps who are under 18 years. Read more about it Here and Here.

Before now, there has been  a high level of trafficking of young girls from villages and neighboring countries by their relatives/ agents who bring them to Lagos so they can work. These agents find a placement for them and get an agency allowance as well as a cut from the girls salary. It is common nowadays to hear women say they are looking for a HOUSEMAID not older than 12-14 years to help with household chores .

It is no news that many of our friends overseas, some with 2 or 3 children raise their families without having domestic helps. Not because there are no helps that can be hired but because everyone has learned to take care of their families. Apart from being expensive,there are laws and in a typical civilized society, unjust treatment to any human being is not acceptable hence the rules that apply to those holding white collar jobs apply to whoever you employ. You cant afford to treat anyone anyhow!

Image from jw.org

If anyone must employ a househelp, (Note that I used the word "help"; because what they do is to help us around the house) then you should be ready to commit to that girl or boy's life.  Many change maids like every other month and they are quick to complain that the girls are behaving funny. Why won't they behave funny? Everyone wants to be treated well, Everyone deserves to be accorded with dignity. Whilst they are helping with your chores, invest in their lives and future. Who knows what they are destined to be? Be a part of their success story.

Please Do not  employ an underage!

A simple suggestion by a maid in the bible brought an end to a lifetime affliction in the life of the renowned General Naaman. This little maid mentioned in 2nd Kings 5: 2 waited on Naaman's wife and despite being a maid, she had a voice. She had a voice because she was given an atmosphere to express herself. She wasn't maltreated or stifled. She had compassion welling inside of her for her boss. She became an aide( adviser) from being a maid. She must have been hugely rewarded!

Let me point out a few things.

• These girls are children of women just like you
• They are in your house because life has not "yet" given them the opportunity of a good education and upbringing. They probably are not able to go to school because their parents are poor, some dead, and some are not just rising up to the responsibilities of parenthood.
• Just like any one else, they deserve to be treated fair.
• It is wisdom to know that what you "invest" in a person is what you enjoy from the person.
• One good turn deserves another. Your generosity towards that girl/lady in the present will go a long way in opening doors for you in the future; even if you don't realize it.

Whoever it is you have living with you may hold the key to something you have been praying to God for.

Above all, do your due diligence before employing anyone to be a "part" of your family.

The Pen......

Seven (7) Fine Tips For Your Personal Finance

Image Credit: Shutterstock

I dedicate this article to everyone struggling with their personal finance. I will be sharing a few tips with you on how you can enhance your personal financial management.

 The problem with a lot of people is not in the amount of inflow of finances but how they manage the little that comes in. Whilst I agree that everyone wants to have more money and an increment in income, (as current earnings/salary are hardly enough), a lot of people do not pay attention to their outflows; where the real problem of financial mismanagement lies.

Let’s look at 7 Fs that will help in managing your personal finances.

1.   Frugality.

Wikipedia defines frugality as the quality of “being frugal, sparing, thrifty, prudent or economical in the consumption of consumable resources such as food, time or money and avoiding waste, lavishness or extravagance”

To be frugal means to be able to put resources together in the most optimal way. The pressure on individuals to spend their hard earned money is on the increase on a daily basis. Online shopping as convenient as it is, has made personal financial management a more inundating task. With being able to make purchases with your bank cards online, life couldn’t be easier; yet finances couldn’t be more strained. Discount deals, online and physical promotions all increase the temptation to keep shopping.

He who wants to become financially independent and not be entangled in a web of debt must be able to judiciously manage his resources well.

2.   Fill your pantry.

Every one desires and deserves a good life and nothing could be as fulfilling as being able to live in a nice house in a serene environment, giving your children the best of education, going on vacation to wherever you desire etc . In all however, proper planning is important. It is needful to say that life is in levels and everyone must be able to cut their coats according to their size per time. The people you see excelling financially; those whose names are on the world richest list must have paid the price to get there and usually; hard work is part of that price. Hard work , diligence and determination pay off. And so, whilst you are in the process of rising to the top, identify the most important needs of life; especially the basic things for you and your family. We all know that food for example is basic for survival. Provide food for your family; for the children as it keeps them going. Fill up your pantry as much as needed. Provide your family with balanced diet; especially the children. It’s amazing that adults are the ones who eat more protein than children (you see a piece of beef being cut into pieces to be shared by children whilst mummy takes 3 pieces herself). Who needs protein the more? Children! Because they are in their growing stage!

3.   Family First!

A lot of people are committed to helping others and it’s a good thing; but it shouldn’t be at the detriment of the needs of your nuclear family. It is beneficial and rewarding to help people; don’t get me wrong, (we are going to talk about that as one of the points in this article); but it is necessary to let you know that Family should come First.  The needs of your immediate family members are paramount. Whilst every expense screams at you for attention, some are basic and should never be relegated. Education is the best investment you can give to your children; their school fees must always be promptly paid! Maslow’s theory enumerates the hierarchy of needs by which people are motivated to reach the highest level called self-actualization. The physiological, safety needs of man are basic but paramount and of course love, esteem and self-actualization are required to attain self-fulfillment.

4.    Fight Waste.

We have spoken about Frugality which entails being a good manager of resources, but everyone who would want to become financially independent must go a step further from being frugal to being an ardent hater of waste. You see, you might have been able to manage your resources by buying just what you need, but then how are they utilized? In this day and age, whilst in many nations, some people barely have enough to eat, we see people hurling food into the waste bin. Why serve more than you can eat? Some would even buy food from fast food outlets or restaurants and still not finish such!

The aso-ebi syndrome is one of the wasters of resources in this part of the world.  I know many would disagree with this point though. I used to be guilty of this; and I still find myself sometimes caught in the shenanigan of aso-ebi purchase in an attempt to “show love” and support the celebrant. The norm nowadays is for people planning a party to “raise” money through people by selling the fabric for the events to their friends and families. It is ridiculous that they even inflate the prices so that they can buy gifts for those who purchase the materials. A party is a forum for people to gather and rejoice with you; why exploit them? You find out that most of the time, a lot of us hardly wear such fabrics for a long time after the party and they keep space in our wardrobes. Fabric sellers make their money, party planners are happy the party is colorful as a result of the similarity of fabrics and headgears, tailors are counting their blessings  and in one corner, someone is paying the debt for aso-ebi. If it is to show love, one could actually give meaningful gifts or even cash gifts to the person who is celebrating instead.

He, who would be master in managing his finances well, must eliminate every waste outlet.

5.   Feed the poor.

There is nothing as de-humanizing as not being able to feed oneself or one’s family. It is grueling to see people scouting through dunghills looking for what to eat. We all need to join hands together to eliminate hunger in our space and wherever it is around us.  The law of karma explains to us the principle of sowing and reaping. “As you sow, so shall you reap." Everyone who sows good, receives good in return. Maybe not you, but your children will definitely benefit from your acts of kindness.

The hand of the giver is always on top and there is a sense of joy that comes from helping people around. Feed the poor, clothe them, arrange for outreaches to orphanages; not just for taking pictures to show what you are donating; but for the real essence of it. No one deserves to live a lowly life. We are products of the magnanimity of a good God.

6.   Follow Successful people.

When I say Follow successful people, I don’t mean on Twitter or on Facebook necessarily, but following the footsteps and examples of people who have excelled either in your career field or in others career fields. There is a lot to learn about how they invest, their attitude to risk taking, how they spend and so on. Recently, I read an article about the lifestyle of some of the richest people in the world and it blew my mind. Rich doesn’t mean wasteful; thriftiness is one of the qualities they possess. I know of someone who is comfortable enough to fly First class always but sometimes, would fly in premium economy, sometimes in business class and sometimes in economy! It doesn’t change his status in anyway; sometimes it might just be able to save up some money for other important needs.  Yet you see some people “borrowing” money and spending all their hard earned savings on flying business class. It’s good to live a good life; but remember life is in levels; there are phases and seasons to it!

7.   Finish whatever you start

When it comes to having a breakthrough in your personal finances, you will do yourself good by finishing whatever you start! Some go into a particular business today, by next month, it’s a different line of business. They never push through anything they lay their hands to do. Some have started to build a house but they are stuck at some level for financial reasons (which is tenable sometimes) but instead of pulling every little resource they get to conclude on it, they wait for the next big break before continuing with the project. The little you see here and there will make a difference. Be a starter and a finisher of good things!

There’s so much to say on Personal Financial Management but for time and space, I will stop here.

If you would want coaching or mentoring on personal finance management, you can reach me @ info@booksmartsolutions.com for more information.

Stay Financially Independent!

The Pen....