The English Training Program for Migrant Domestic Workers, a collaborative initiative between our Department and the Indonesian Migrant Workers Union (IMWU), proudly celebrated the achievements of 84 migrant domestic workers who have successfully completed a 4-month English training course on 16 June 2024. The milestone was marked by a certificate presentation ceremony attended by distinguished guests and community members, including Prof. Eric Friginal (Professor and Department Head of ENGL), Supartini (Executive Committee member of IMWU), and Endah Rachmi Yuliarti (Consul of the Information and Socio-Cultural Affairs at the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong).
The English Training Program aims to equip migrant workers with essential linguistic tools to enhance their work efficiency and foster better social interactions within local communities. This is the second batch of the program, which has seen remarkable growth, doubling in size and now accommodating a more linguistically diverse group of participants. The program offers two levels of instruction: Beginner and Intermediate Classes for Migrant Domestic Workers. Participants attended classes twice a month, engaging in immersive and hands-on learning experiences that helped them acquire various skills, including communication, vocabulary, grammar, and writing.
The impact of the program has been significant. Upon completion, 70% of participants felt confident in using English, while 83% reported a significant positive impact on their relationships with employers. Moreover, 84% felt the program had a substantial positive effect on their interactions with the local community. These outcomes highlight the program’s success in not only improving language proficiency but also in enhancing the overall quality of life for migrant domestic workers.
The program continues to thrive and will welcome its third cohort, commencing in mid-July 2024, with 90 participants. Dr. Jeffry Oktavianus, Assistant Professor and project leader, commented that this expansion reflects the growing demand and the program’s effectiveness in meeting the needs of migrant domestic workers.
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