A GROUP of expatriate caregivers in Bahrain is planning to launch more outreach programmes to help and support the needy.
The Philippine Bahrain Caregivers Society (PBCS), operating under the umbrella of the Bahrain Filipino Club, has been involved in community services for years – primarily assisting distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Its newly elected president Maria Perez Carmona, who shared the vision for the society which she founded in 2017, said the pandemic was a ‘fulfilling time’ for herself and her team.
“Over the past five years, PBCS has served thousands of people in distress, primarily OFWs, and this has been my dream since I was a caregiving student,” Ms Carmona told the GDN.
“There were many events that we did under the Filipino Club and we aim to launch more such programmes in the future.”
PBCS, which currently has 64 members, is led by an elected 12-member team that oversees its activities for a one-year term. The new team was sworn in last month at the Philippines Embassy by Charge d’Affaires Anne Jalando-on Louis.
“We serve all nationalities because we believe that caregiving should not be limited to a specific community or group,” Ms Carmona explained.
“As of now, our members are Filipinos, but we are open to anyone who wants to be a part of it – the only requirement is that they should be trained in caregiving in accordance with our policy.
“Our criteria are credibility and ability.
“There is a nominal registration fee and we will give our members training in caregiving and equip them with skills needed to engage in our activities.”
The programmes are primarily focused on serving distressed OFWs, particularly those at the shelter in the Philippines Embassy in Mahooz.
PBCS members take turns going to the shelter and tending to the needs of the residents, the majority of whom are awaiting repatriation.
“We assist them with all aspects of their daily lives; ranging from personal grooming to transportation,” she said.
“There are medical needs, administrative assistance with their status and repatriation, and we also regularly monitor their dietary and exercise requirements.
“We also provide emotional support to OFWs who are often struggling with their situation.”
The 46-year-old, who has been living in Bahrain with her sister and daughter for the last 15 years, founded the society out of a desire to help others. A trained caregiver herself, Ms Carmona said PBCS members are offered a six-month course on the subject that includes both theory and practice.
“We have tied up with Al Wali Training and Development – I work with the centre as its operation manager for my living – which offers us training in caregiving.
“The trained faculty handles the six-month course. Some of them also get placements after the course, which is another way PBCS contributes to the community.”
The pandemic was a ‘fulfilling time for the society and its members’, added Ms Carmona.
“We organised medical camps and aid drives during Covid-19,” she said.
“We distributed food and ration kits, assisted with people’s repatriation alongside the Filipino Club and our embassy and organised safety and first aid sessions. We also spoke to residents about infection control and trained people in leadership and volunteering.”
She emphasised the value of caregivers, claiming that they are frequently misunderstood as domestic workers.
“A caregiver is trained to assist the elderly, sick, children, or those with special needs, while they are not to be deployed on domestic jobs or household chores,” she explained.
PBCS also tied up with other caregiving groups to support the larger expatriate community during the past two years, noted Ms Carmona who stressed the need for more trained caregivers in the country.
raji@gdnmedia.bh
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