Her monthly wage of $400 supports eight people, including her mother, mother-in-law and disabled grandmother. She is one of 60 migrant workers here who received a $500 grant from the Western Union Foundation Education Grant Programme, which aims to help migrant workers with the financial costs of educating their children.

Each grant could cover as much as a year's tuition fees and other necessities like books and uniforms.

Mrs Cortezano, who sends home at least three-quarters of her wages, said: 'I'm really grateful to my employer who picked up the application form and asked me to join. At least now I can pay the school fees for my children.'