Social Networking Sites for OFWs?

Friday, October 24, 2008

OFWs to be taught how to use Friendster, Facebook

MANILA, Philippines—Friendster and Facebook are not only for the young looking for new friends.

Filipino workers abroad now have the chance to learn how to use these popular social networking tools to communicate with their friends and loved ones back home, according to Blas F. Ople Policy Center president Susan Ople.

Ople said that with the recent expansion of Tulay (Bridge), a special training program on technology implemented by the center in partnership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Microsoft Philippines, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) would be introduced to blogging and social utility tools in cyberspace.

“One of the main problems encountered by OFWs is the lack of communication between them and their families,” OWWA official Albert Valenciano said.

Valenciano pointed out that most of the four million Filipino workers overseas often experienced homesickness.

“Since the young members of their families are usually into Friendster and Facebook, it would be very useful for them to learn about these tools so the OFWs could connect with their loved ones better,” Ople said.

Microsoft Philippines last week presented to the Blas F. Ople Policy Center P25 million in cash and P1.3 million worth of software for its expanded Tulay program.

The program expansion would enable the construction of 10 more Community Technology Learning Centers (CTLCs) in the Philippines, wherein OFWs and their families could learn useful computer programs.

Ople said the 10 new Tulay centers would be constructed in the cities of Baguio, Tacloban, Calamba, Koronadal, Tuguegarao, Davao, San Fernando, Butuan and Calapan. A facility in Maguindanao province would also be erected in 2008.

Ople added that a new Tulay center would also be put up in Taipei, while additional computers and software would be given to the CTLC in Hong Kong.

“The waiting list of OFWs wanting to enroll in the Hong Kong Tulay center is until next year,” Ople disclosed, adding that Tulay Hong Kong offers classes six times a week.

Rafael Rollan, managing director of Microsoft Philippines, said that among the issues the program sought to address “is the social displacement encountered by OFWs and their families.”

“We see Tulay as a catalyst for opening up better economic opportunities for OFWs and their beneficiaries,” Rollan said.

The Microsoft director added, “By receiving technology training, participants are able to do more than communicate through email or chat. They become armed with skills that boost their confidence and equip them in exploring alternative employment prospects.”

Ople said that Microsoft, OWWA and the Blas F. Ople Policy Center began the project in 2004 to provide migrant workers and their families with access to both technology and technology training.

“Tulay has trained over 14,000 individuals in the past four years,” Ople said, adding that with the expansion, the program hoped to train 25,000 more OFWs in the next three years.

Tulay presently has CTLCs in Hong Kong, Italy, Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore and Saudi Arabia. Locally, Tulay trains OFW beneficiaries in Bicol, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Iloilo, La Union, Zamboanga, and at the OWWA office in Metro Manila.

http://www.ofw-care.com/2008/09/25/ofws-to-be-taught-how-to-use-friendster-facebook/