Facebook and OWWA empower OFWs with digital literacy and small business skills

In celebration of Migrant Workers Day in the Philippines, Facebook Philippines and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) announced a partnership aimed at empowering Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) through digital literacy programs and small business training.

Through different educational programs and workshops, the partnership will provide resources that can help OFWs gain knowledge on privacy and safety, critical thinking and empathy, and spotting false news. A one hour digital literacy module will be provided for departing OFWs. Informational videos will also be played in OWWA offices and posted on their online platforms. As part of the initiative, OFWs will have access to digital marketing workshops, which will be included in OWWA’s Entrepreneurship Development Training to help them start and grow businesses.

“OFWs work very hard for their families and communities. We want to make sure that we support them in the best way possible: by letting them gain the skills they need to contribute to their communities online and offline,” said Hans Leo Cacdac, OWWA Administrator.

To drive community-based impact, digital literacy programs will also be extended to OFW Family Circles (OFCs) nationwide. OFCs are communities of OFW families that promote the socio-economic welfare of migrant workers through skills development.

“Together with OWWA, we want to help OFWs to have a positive and authentic experience online, and gain business skills that would help their families and communities,” said Clair Deevy, Director of Community Affairs, APAC at Facebook.

Beyond creating training and livelihood programs for OFWs and their families, Facebook will help OWWA better engage with their audience through social media training.

To learn more about Facebook’s partnership with OWWA, log on to www.pilipinas.fb.com or www.owwa. gov.ph.