BMKQ Launches Train the Trainers Program on Workers’ Rights in Qatar
Doha, Qatar – May 24, 2024: The Education and Training Committee of Bayanihan ng Manggagawa sa Konstruksiyon ng Qatar (BMKQ) successfully initiated its Train the Trainers program, emphasizing workers’ rights awareness. The inaugural session took place on Friday, gathering leaders and key officers from various Filipino community organizations in Qatar to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to facilitate training sessions for Filipino expatriates.
The event saw participation from over 50 leaders representing a diverse array of job industries. The program included comprehensive sessions on case handling and documentation, alongside facilitating referrals to competent authorities.
Keynote speakers at the event were notable figures in the community: Mr. Marco Ferrer, Community Liaison Officer of Building and Wood Workers International (BWI) and long-time BMKQ Advisor; Ms. Cheryl Marielou Valientes-Cayaban, President of HERO-Qatar and Chairperson of the BMKQ Education and Training Committee; and Mr. Henry Dimaano, Chairman Emeritus of HERO-Qatar, former Chairman of UFOQ, Founding Advisor of BMKQ, and recently appointed Council Member of the Philippine National Anti-Poverty Commission.
The discussions delved into specific situational topics, teaching trainers how to identify common workplace violations and guide proper reporting procedures. Emphasis was placed on developing effective communication skills to convey complex legal concepts and rights to diverse audiences. Furthermore, the training covered conflict resolution techniques, empathetic handling of worker disputes, and providing trainers with resources to create engaging and participatory training sessions on workers’ rights.
BMKQ President, Mr. Eliseo Bermido, concluded Part 1 of the training with a message of gratitude, acknowledging the participants’ dedication to becoming effective trainers. “As BMKQ aims to continually equip Filipino community leaders with the knowledge and skills to help resolve worker disputes in line with the case resolution and reporting mechanisms of both the Philippine and Qatar governments, Part 2 of this training program will likely be conducted next month,” Mr. Bermido announced.
Certificates of appreciation and participation were awarded to the keynote speakers and participants, marking the successful commencement of the Train the Trainers program.
