Filipinos in Cambodia Learns Crochet in a Mental Health Wellness Activity

Participants at the Embassy pose for a photo with Ambassador Maria Amelita C. Aquino and Consul General Emma R. Sarne. (Phnom Penh PE photo)

PHNOM PENH 15 October 2021 — In observance of mental health awareness day every second Sunday of October, the Philippine Embassy conducted the gender and development (GAD) training-workshop webinar entitled “Crochet Your Way to Wellness” on 09 October 2021.

The event was attended by the Filipino community in Cambodia with 15 of the participants physically attending at the Embassy’s Multi-Purpose Hall while 25 others participated online via Zoom. The event was also webcast via Facebook Live, which garnered 525 views.

Ms. Sheila Milanio, a Filipino English teacher in Cambodia, facilitated the webinar and taught the participants basic crochet stitches. She mentioned that aside from its health benefits, crocheting is also a good source of income. Especially now that a number of overseas Filipinos in Cambodia are looking for other sources of livelihood. As beginners, the participants were instructed to crochet a simple coaster. Most of the participants were quick to learn the skill, and an online participant from Siem Reap Province and another participant at the Embassy received the Best Coaster prize.

Ambassador Maria Amelita C. Aquino emphasized the emotional and mental health benefits of crocheting. In her closing remarks, she mentioned that as an expression of creativity, crocheting has proven benefits in helping deal with anxiety and stress, especially in this time of pandemic. END

Philippine Ambassador to Cambodia Maria Amelita Aquino and Philippine Consul General Emma R. Sarne and view the works of participants. (Phnom Penh PE photo)

25 Filipinos also joined the activity via Zoom. (Phnom Penh PE photo) 

For more information, visit https://www.phnompenhpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.facebook.com/PHLinCambodia/ or https://twitter.com/PhilippineIn