A GROUP of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) has completed a training programme designed to equip them with practical, dressmaking skills.
The seven-week course was organised by the Philippine Embassy in collaboration with its Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Migrant Workers Office (MWO), as well as Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN).
A graduation ceremony was held for 37 participants at the Arman Hotel in Juffair, during which PIN president Dinah Sta. Ana praised their hard work and dedication.
Present at the event were Philippines Ambassador Anne Jalando-on Louis and other embassy and group officials.
Graduates at the ceremony
“I commend the graduates for their dedication to enhancing their skills and personal growth, highlighting the programme’s significance in enabling OFWs to achieve self-sufficiency and pursue livelihoods beyond working abroad,” said Ms Louis.
Among the trainees was 44-year-old Jenny Javier, who has been working as a housemaid in Sanad for the past 10 years.
“I consider myself fortunate as my employers wholeheartedly backed me through the programme,” she said.
“They were supportive of me starting the course, and even acknowledged that it is beneficial for me to complete it to gain new skills.”
Looking to the future, Ms Javier hopes to put her new skills to the test by starting a small business in the Philippines.
Some of the participants with their certificates of completion
The seven-week programme was designed to provide OFWs with practical skills that encourage them to become financially independent.
Their final projects were to sew a grown, and all graduates received a certificate of completion.
Ms Louis also received a Plaque of Appreciation for her outstanding leadership, dedicated service and sterling commitment to empowering Filipinos overseas.
Meanwhile, trainee Marife Reyes, aged 53, expressed gratitude to her husband who drove her and her group mates to training sessions for the past seven weeks, even during late-night sessions.
Head teacher Epifania Fuyoc also shared her joy in seeing the trainees wear the gowns they made, adding that she hopes the new graduates will continue to hone their new craft.
The Philippine government, through OWWA and MWO, continues to empower OFWs through various training programmes, including entrepreneurship and financial literacy, massage therapy, meat processing and cosmetology.
These initiatives are part of the reintegration programme designed to equip Filipino workers with practical business skills and livelihood opportunities, supporting their smooth transition back home.
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