‘Silent’ social worker for needy expatriates

TDT | Manama                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com   

Report by Zahra Ayaz

Expatriates need more support from social workers to ensure that their rights are not violated although the Kingdom has one of the best labour welfare laws in the region, according to Florine Mathias, a prominent social worker.

A long-time Bahrain resident and a generous philanthropist, Mrs Mathias has helped many needy expats, mainly Indian nationals, for years. Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Mrs Mathias said: “During these many years gone by I have inculcated these values in myself for the service of all mankind.

When I was in my teenage years, my father taught me with family values and on how to be kind and graceful to our fellow people.

That’s why he is my role model. “Since moving to Bahrain 60 years ago, I’ve been actively involved in social work, charitable work, and assisting all expats who are involved in domestic violence or fraud.

I also take them to the embassy for additional support. I was employed with the Migrant Workers Protection Society (MWPS) and I am currently an ICRF (Indian Community Relief Fund) member.

“I have many happy memories of Bahrain in the past, but these days I think of Bahrain as a smaller version of Singapore because of the kindness and humility of its people.

When I first moved to Bahrain, HH Shaikh Salman bin Hamad was the ruler, who was later succeeded by the late Amir Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and thereafter His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, making this the third legacy I have seen.”

Mrs Mathia added: “As I started my career in social work, I was always rushing to find a way to assist all the labourers and doing everything in my power to improve conditions for the welfare of labourers and laws.

Social work is a beautiful talent of service without expecting any reward. “I can’t recall how many times I made the less fortunate smile, but I know that from 8 am until 11 pm, and occasionally even later, I spent my time and effort to help with labour and ordinary expat needs.

“Domestic abuse situations were extremely serious and complicated in the 1960s, and there was no alternative support for victimised women outside the Indian Embassy.

“Every day, I would provide a roof to about 15 maids and take care of their paperwork. There were no finances available in such circumstances back then.

I always managed to return them to their country in some way. “I built links with the labour movement, the police, and NGOs early on, and would give and accept cases from them.

“I have always been a ‘silent’ social worker who would never be in any kind of media. I like working and assisting others, and that everyone should make sure that these labourers do not violate any human rights.”