Computer classes for Filipinos

At different times during each weekend, some 500 Filipinos in Dubai go to the Philippines Overseas Labour Office in Satwa, to learn computers.

At least eight classes are going on from Thursday to Sunday, for Filipinos to learn everything from basic personal productivity software, to assembling PCs from off-the-shelf parts, to Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML) coding and PC networking.

The software side is handled by the Filipino Computer Club, led by the Mapua University-trained husband and wife team of Milo and Cherry Pie Zablan Torres.

The personal computer assembly and networking classes are offered by the Filipino Association for Computer Excellence (FACE), under the leadership of Engineer Ed Ferrer. His group has already produced a number of Microsoft Certified Service Engineers and Microsoft Certified professionals too.

The most popular courses are HTML Writing and PC assembly. Apart from being popular among OFWs, The HTML Writing (web design) course has been a great success with Filipino students, according to organisers.

"Filipinos from different backgrounds have shown a keen interest in enhancing their computer skills. They include engineers, architects, nurses, teachers, administration staff and even domestic helpers and high school students," said Milo Torres, the chief instructor for the HTML writing course.

"The course is designed for those Filipinos who seek better job prospects by improving their skills in HTML coding, used for web-designing," he added.

Though the deadline for registration was already over, more than 230 OFWs filled up the online and offline registration.

To encourage sharing of resources, knowledge and tips, a group of up to 10 members try to figure out how to network computers, running in different operating systems.

Part of the course requirement for the participants is to create their own group and personal websites.

The huge response to the computer courses has prompted the organisers to continue and even increase their frequency.

The computer courses are open to all overseas Filipino workers. Being a project of the Philippines embassy, classes are free.