16 July 2015 - The 9th batch of 25 students, the latest group of migrants including 23 Filipinos, who have successfully finished the Health Education and Basic Arabic and French Courses offered by the Afro-Asian Migrant Centre in Lebanon, were awarded certificates of recognition during a ceremony held on June 28 at the St. Joseph Church, Tabaris, Achrafieh.
The Health Education Course and the Basic and French Arabic Courses are a joint pioneering project of Fr. Theo Vlugt, SJ, and a Filipino nun Sister Amelia Torres of the Daughters of Charity. Enrolled migrants commit themselves to attend the courses every Sunday afternoon for a total of forty Sundays in order to add to their existing skills and capabilities. The 9th batch started their studies in mid-November 2014 and ended in the last week of May.
The Migrant Centre’s program aims to elevate the status of the migrant community, whose members are mostly domestic helpers. It was conducted by volunteer professionals: Dr. Joseph Hatem, Medical Section; Mrs. Eppie Ballouz, Nurse; Mrs. Amy Skaff, Nutritionist; Lebanese Red Cross representatives; and Mr. Saba Saba, Professor of Arabic and French.
Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz delivered a brief message to convey the Embassy’s support for the program as a means of upgrading the skills of Filipino migrant workers and afterwards awarded certificates of recognition to the participants of the Health Education and Basic Arabic and French Courses. She also expressed hope that more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Lebanon would be able to participate in the program. END