More than 200 low-skilled workers commenced an eight-week training under Reach Out To Asia’s 2013-2014 Adult English Literacy (RAEL) initiative at Hamad Bin Khalifa University.
The programme, in partnership with Qatar Petroleum (QP), aims to enable workers to achieve personal goals and improve life opportunities, far from their daily duties.
By teaching labourers who work within their own campus, the student volunteer tutors also affirm each university’s commitment to social responsibility and lifelong learning. This year, 58 volunteers representing Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar, Texas A & M University at Qatar, Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, and Rota are entrusted with the task of helping low-skilled workers improve their English language skills.
“We hope that by participating in the RAEL programme, the participants will develop higher aspirations and an increased sense of well-being and empowerment,” Rota executive director Essa al-Mannai said.
The classes are taught during a 16-week period split into two terms. The first term is concluding on December 22 while the second term is to start in February and finish in April.
First developed in 2009, a key feature of the programme is that it offers opportunities for young people in Qatar to take part in an experiential service learning opportunity, developing their skills and knowledge as RAEL Literacy Trainers and Champions.
During the 2012-13 season, 73 university students taught basic and intermediate level English classes to 130 workers employed across the four universities, with cleaners, pantry staff and other support staff among the Education City workers learning improved English language skills.
Maniwannan Iyathuruia, a migrant worker attending the classes, said he did not know the English alphabets before he joined the programme. “After attending classes regularly, my English is improving a lot and I feel better about my progress personally and professionally,” he said.
For Damar Chaudhary, another worker, being selected for the educational programme is a privilege. “I have always yearned for an opportunity to enhance my English language as I believe that it will give me more responsibility in my job, become more competent, and improve my skills that could eventually lead to improving my work life and finances.”