Blue-collar workers graduate to a better life

Dubai: More than 400 blue-collar workers received their certificates after completing an 18-week course in English and computers skills. The course was taught by volunteer teachers at workers’ accommodations under the auspices of a non-profit non-governmental organisation called SmartLife.

The graduation ceremony was held on Friday at the Indian Consulate auditorium in Dubai and included song and dance performances by some of the students.

Established in 2009, SmartLife executes programmes aimed at improving lives of the underprivileged section of society and the blue-collar workforce earning less than Dh2,500. Its projects have helped as many as 5,000 blue-collar workers to date.

SmartLife’s getSMART branch is dedicated to teaching workers English and basic computer skills. The classes are held in the workers’ accommodations in Muhaisnah and Al Quoz, besides the GEMS Winchester School.

The courses offer four grade levels: Pre-Basic, Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. Classes are held for 90 minutes every Friday for 18 weeks. Intermediate and Advanced students also receive computer training besides having the option to attend classes offering engineering knowhow for mechanical, electrical and plumbing jobs.

“We have some very passionate volunteers, who teach according to a structured syllabus and textbooks,” Vinod Mehra, who is one of the founding members of SmartLife, said. “So far, 5,000 people have been impacted by the many branches of SmartLife, which includes getSMART. However, we need help to sustain this. We need more volunteers. We need help in monitoring our students’ progress, track their attendance and inspire them.”

Sharing his success story with the getSMART students, Jehangir Alam said SmartLife helped him in achieving some of his aspirations and improving the quality of his life.

“When I first came to Dubai in 2008, I was a housekeeper who earned Dh690 a month. Three years ago I was introduced to the SmartLife initiative. At first I thought it was just a basic English course, but it is so much more. After completing the four grade-levels, I was quickly promoted at the company I work for. Today, I am a senior supervisor who earns Dh3,000,” said Alam, who is now himself a volunteer with SmartLife.

Muraleedharan K., Deputy Consul General of India in Dubai, said: “SmartLife helps to bring out the best in the blue collar workers. It finds the talents in them and helps them polish it. It helps improve their standard of life and achieves their aspirations.”

Other branches of SmartLife include: SmartIdol, a platform to identify talented artists, dancers and singers in Dubai’s workforce, SmartCup, a cricket tournament that helps bridge the dichotomy between blue collar and white collar workers, and the Sapna Project, which grants scholarships to children of blue collar workers.