Filipina nurse finds purpose caring for abandoned children in UAE
A 49-year-old healthcare worker at a Dubai facility has built deep bonds with children in her care, becoming a maternal figure beyond her professional role.
At a glance
- Rufo serves as unit nurse-in-charge at Family Village, providing medical and emotional care to children without parental care
- She worked as a household helper while pursuing her nursing degree to fund her studies and support her family
- The children in her care have developed a strong bond with her, addressing her as "mama"
- She describes her role as providing comfort, care and emotional support alongside professional healthcare
Marites Rufo, a Filipina nurse working at Family Village in Dubai, has dedicated herself to caring for children without parental support. As unit nurse-in-charge, she provides medical care while offering emotional support and comfort to the children in her care, who have come to call her "mama."
Rufo grew up in a poor family in the Philippines with five siblings and worked as a household helper while studying nursing at university to support her education and family. She has described her role as extending beyond healthcare provision to encompassing emotional care and creating a sense of family for the children she works with.
Why it matters
The story illustrates the role of migrant healthcare workers in providing care and support to vulnerable populations in the UAE.
Original reporting
This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.
