A camp class for workers in progress.
DOHA: To empower their migrant workers and help them lead enhanced independent lives, Galfar Al Misnad, one of the leading construction firms in Qatar, has instituted Galfar Classroom – Enriching Minds, an education based initiative for its employees.
As a part of this unique CSR program, volunteer members from Galfar’s staff conduct evening literacy classes in English language and basic mathematics for the workers at the company’s various accommodation camps across the country. Most of the workers are from the Indian subcontinent, said a statement.
The company realized that many of their workers had little or even no formal education, which meant they could not read signboards and simple instructions written in English, whether it be at work or when they were outside in Qatar. This was not just a risk to their personal safety, but their financial wellbeing too, as it exposed them to the possibility of being exploited by others. Galfar Classroom - Enriching Minds was formed to assist the workers in overcoming these difficulties.
“We wanted to give our employees the confidence to handle their own issues both within the company and outside, by enabling them to comprehend statutory instructions on site, and equipping them with the ability to conduct their affairs independently,” explained Satish Pillai, the Executive Director of Galfar Al Misnad.
The classes are based on a curriculum prepared by the HR team and conducted by a faculty of ten volunteer staff members from different departments of the company. The HR team trained all the volunteers before starting the program and monitors all the classes.
The faculty members tutor the workers in English reading, writing and speaking skills, as well as the recognition and writing of Roman numerals. The program has been received well by the workers, who are turning up in big numbers to make use of the opportunity to enhance their literacy skills.
The HR team also conducts ATM awareness sessions with the workers to boost their financial literacy. The faculty teach the workers how to operate ATMs through a computer simulated module in the class. This interactive module allows the workers to perform all the steps required to take out money on a virtual ATM, and thereby gain confidence in conducting banking transactions on their own. As the company provides all salaries directly through bank accounts, this was assessed to be an important skill for the workers to learn.
These sessions are ongoing and the trainers rotate their classes amongst the different camps. Before starting any batch, the trainers evaluate the literacy levels of participants so that the session can be customized to meet their specific requirement.
All of Galfar Al Misnad’s worker accommodation camps are equipped with computer rooms with multiple workstations and internet connectivity, which workers have to their disposal for further learning, as well as personal communication.
