New doors keep opening – An interview with Rosa Angela de Oliveira Coulon 

Rosa Angela de Oliveira Coulon, 44, is originally from Buzi, a small town in Mozambique. Since 2016, she has been living in Switzerland with her husband and their five-year-old daughter. Here, she works as a cleaning assistant. 

How did you come to Switzerland? 

I remember that day vividly. It was January 11, 2016, and it was so cold that I caught a cold. Since it’s always hot in Mozambique, I wasn’t accustomed to the cold temperatures. Nevertheless, I immediately fell in love with this country. I can’t remember exactly why I chose Switzerland. However, the words of my chemistry teacher stay with me to this day: «You belong in Europe, not Africa.» And she was right: I am very happy here. 

Were there any challenges? 

Yes, a few. In Chimoio, Mozambique, I worked as a secretary and receptionist at a local clinic for about four or five years. Then, I had the opportunity to work as a governess in Angola. But when I came to Switzerland, I suddenly found myself without a job. For a while, I had to rely on odd jobs to make ends meet. It was a difficult time for us, as my husband could only work part-time due to an injury. But I never lost faith: When one door closes, another one opens. And that’s how it turned out. 

How did you become a household help? 

Initially, I worked for a cleaning company. I had many clients and only received positive feedback. One day, a client whom I now affectionately call «my angel», explained to me that in this manner, I was actually working for the cleaning company, not for myself. She recommended quitt to me, and since 2023, she has been my employer, along with seven others. 

What does a typical workday look like? 

I get up at 5:45 a.m. every morning. I shower, get dressed, and drink coffee. Then, I prepare breakfast for my daughter and myself. At 6:20 a.m., I wake her up and make sure she’s prepared for the day. After she has eaten her fruit compote, I accompany her to the «morning table» and then head off to work. My shift starts daily at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. The tasks vary; sometimes I iron for six hours straight. 

What is your relationship like with your employers? 

Really good, especially with my older employers. One of my employers sometimes works from home. I like to arrive a little earlier on those days to have a coffee with her. I really appreciate those moments. 

What do your employers particularly appreciate about you? 

My honesty. My employers leave money and jewelry out in the open. And where they last left their valuables, that’s where they’ll find them again. I don’t touch any of it. 

What tasks do you enjoy the most? 

I love tidying up and cleaning, especially when it comes to the bathroom. For me, it’s an absolute must that the toilet is sparkling white. I can’t stand it when it’s dirty. Personally, I want to feel good when I enter the bathroom. So it’s very important to me that my employers feel the same way. This has also rubbed off on my five-year-old daughter; she once screamed when she saw a dirty toilet (laughs). 

Is there anything you don’t like to do? 

Cleaning windows. Just the thought of it gives me a headache (laughs). Of course, I do it anyway. And to make it easier for me, one of my employers was kind enough to buy me a cleaning device. 

What do you do after work? 

If I don’t have a book with me, I like to watch Turkish series on my way home. At home, I cook for us, and we eat dinner together. Later, my daughter and I follow our evening ritual, where I like to read to her. 

What are your hobbies? 

I enjoy swimming, even though I’m not really good at it (laughs). In Mozambique, I almost drowned twice. That’s why I was afraid to learn it. Nevertheless, I still like to spend time in the pool.