Empowering Through Craft at The Philippine Overseas Labor Office

From 2017 to 2020, we collaborated with the Overseas Labor Office of the Philippine Consulate in Dubai to implement a training program for displaced and distressed Filipino female workers temporarily sheltered at the consulate compound.

Our sewing, crochet, and knitting program provided these women with an opportunity to regain confidence, find purpose, and enhance their well-being while navigating through labor contract disputes and repatriation to the Philippines. The consulate issued certifications for their skills training, which proved valuable in seeking alternative employment opportunities back in their home country.

Throughout the pandemic, we persisted with Zoom-based training sessions, teaching the women how to craft fabric face masks for themselves and other ladies at the refuge center. This program positively impacted 540 Filipina workers and an additional 70 women through an ongoing Train-the-Trainer model.