SINGAPORE — To ensure their daughter understands the value of their family’s domestic helper, Mrs. Christina Southgate and her husband Chris have published a book titled I Can Help!, which explores a little girl’s relationship with her helper. The book aims to foster appreciation for domestic workers, and proceeds from its sales will benefit the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (Home), which supports the rights of domestic helpers in Singapore.

Mrs. Southgate, 38, an Australian from Adelaide, realized the significance of having a domestic worker after moving to Singapore in 2016. “I get to do what I do because I have Myrna. I get to be a better mom, a better wife, a better employee because we have the privilege of having Myrna,” she shared, referring to their helper, Ms. Myrna P. Corpuz, 36. “There’s a story around how much they give to us, and I think there’s an opportunity to recognize and appreciate them.”

After three and a half years in the making, I Can Help! was inspired by the relationship between their daughter, Olivia, and Ms. Corpuz. So far, 500 copies have been printed, and the Southgates have raised approximately S$1,000 from sales priced at S$14.95 each. The book is available at Kinokuniya in Takashimaya, City Book Room in North Bridge Centre, and online at olivesandbear.com.

Mrs. Southgate emphasized the need for children’s literature that includes domestic helpers, noting a lack of representation in the books Olivia reads. “There were just no books about helpers,” she explained, prompting her to create a story that reflects the unique bond between Olivia and Ms. Corpuz. “I wanted my helper to read a story about their relationship, so Olivia could understand who this person is in her life.”

As a human resources director, Mrs. Southgate believes it is crucial for her daughter to appreciate Ms. Corpuz’s role. “The book talks about the helper being a special friend,” she said, adding that it teaches Olivia that this friendship is a privilege and that Ms. Corpuz cares for her out of kindness.

The Southgates are determined to instill values of respect and gratitude in Olivia. Mrs. Southgate shared her observations of varying treatment towards domestic workers in different families in Singapore, noting, “I wanted something slightly different.”

For Ms. Corpuz, the book serves as a source of pride and identity. “Having something for her so she feels like she’s proud, that this is about me,” said Mrs. Southgate. “This is about our relationship, so that’s how it started.”