Training of Trainers on Reintegration and Financial Planning with ASEAN migrants in Singapore
Atikha is a non-government organization that provides economic and social services to overseas Filipinos and their families in the Philippines. The organization aims to help minimize the social cost of migration and maximize the development potential of migration.
Atikha was initiated in 1995 by a group of migrant returnees, advocates and religious leaders in Laguna. It was established based on a Bread for World-funded study on the impact of migration on women. The study revealed the social cost of migration, especially on the children left behind. It also showed that many migrants are unable to save due probably to a crisis in the work site, in the family, or the migrant herself. Many come home ill prepared to face the future. Often, life has become more miserable. They are much older and have few skills. They cannot be employed nor do they have funds to start their own business.
Atikha is proud to collaborate with a diverse network of partner organizations, united in our mission to empower communities and create lasting impact through our programs and services.
At Atikha, we're proud of the positive impact we've had on our participants, members, and trainers. Here's what some of them have to say about their experiences with us.
“I had the chance to share what we’ve learned to my sisters. I have the budgeting sheets of my sisters and dream map. I also started to re-echo with my two sons. My two sons have part time jobs every Saturday for one hour and they are earning 12Euros each. I asked them to prepare their budget. My eldest son realized that he can save 21Euros while the youngest said he can save 13Euros after deducting cost of movies, eating out with friends, cell phone loads and bus fares. This training is really very informative and I thank you for this wonderful experience.”
“I also wanted to share to other children of OFWs and listen to them because I realized that by listening alone I can be of help to other children of my age. I now understand that even if we are children we have to prepare for our future …Being a child of an OFW, we can also help our parents by studying well in school, helping in the household chores, being respectful and obedient, being a role model to other children, to our own siblings, being thrifty and loving our family… I am thankful for this opportunity to participate in this seminar training because learning cannot only be obtained from the school lessons and the four corners of the classroom but from activities like this.”
We were able to learn from each other’s experiences. I personally was teary-eyed when my students shared their sad experiences as children of OFWs. I was somehow, enlightened that life is not really that easy especially on the part of the migrants and their loved ones in the Philippines. Some live a happy life. However, there were heartbreaking stories shared by the children of OFW’s who became broken family after their parents went abroad.
I should say that this kind of activity must be continued for the benefit of children of OFW’s. I suggest that parents and OFW’s must be given training/workshop also. Lastly, I want to thank Atikha and their sponsors for giving me the opportunity to be with these children and be part of this wonderful life changing project.
