Cultural exchange program?

In response to the advertisement AU-PAIR in Europe in The Jakarta Post, on May 11, 2001, page 16, I, as a housewife who has an experience as an au pair girl in Europe, would like to express my concern over this issue.

As far as I am concerned, the au pair program is a form of inter-cultural exchange in which the person in question is given an opportunity to learn the language and culture of the country she is in.

She lives with a certain family (who accepts her) in return for doing light work (normally baby-sitting, with a 20 hour working week). For that purpose, usually there is an institution (often a social agency) that protects and makes arrangements for the rights and obligations of the person and the family concerned.

An au pair girl is obviously not a maid. Your ad requires one "who has experience as a maid".

Those who are interested can contact a certain person (telephone number and e-mail address published in advertisement).

I fear that the meaning of "au pair" has been misunderstood or misinterpreted. My other concern is: to what extent are these people protected, given that many of the maids working overseas are inhumanely treated? Recently, human trafficking and smuggling have been rife.

The impact of the economic crisis has not abated and as a result, many ignorant people may be easily lured to work abroad. Instead of being empowered, these people are likely to fall victim to tricks.

MAGDALENA SITORUS

Jakarta