IN THE NEWS
ROTA and Jaidah Group battle illiteracy
- Pilot program ran in July and August, including 20 participants from Egypt, Sri Lanka and India
Doha, August 20, 2009: Qatar-based NGO Reach Out To Asia (ROTA) and The Jaidah Group, with the support of Carnegie Melon University in Qatar, have worked together to develop a model program for teaching basic Adult English literacy to low skilled migrant workers in Qatar.
The program was tailored for Jaidah Group's low-skilled employees, as part of the organization's Corporate Social Responsibility strategy. Jaidah Group is the launching partner of ROTA's Adult English Literacy (RAEL) program in Qatar and in countries where ROTA implements education projects. This 6 week pilot program, that started running in July 2009, initially benefited 20 employees from Sri Lanka, Egypt, and India.
The aim of the RAEL program is to develop and deliver a literacy skills course in which the participants will develop their ability to identify, understand, interpret, communicate and employ written information in their daily activities; in an effort to help them achieve their personal goals and improve life opportunities.
In other words, to equip the participants with basic literacy skills that they will find useful everyday and skills that can help them in the future. The program will also engage volunteers and youth in Qatar by giving them the opportunity to assist in the training process with other groups.
The first full course will start in October and running until June of 2010 and will have over 120 participants. This first full implementation of the project will include a basic and intermediate level; with classes taking place every week in one of Jaidah Group's training centers.
"We are very proud to be able to contribute to ROTA's long term plans for a better future and education for all across Asia. This is our way of giving back to both the local community as well as other people in need throughout the region. Our common goal is to fight illiteracy, one of our continent's biggest curses", said Mohammed Jaidah, Chief Development Officer.
In July 2008, the two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding serving their common goal to promote education across Asia. Jaidah Group has committed itself to supporting ROTA for a period of two years through funding and volunteering, becoming ROTA's Associate Partner.
Lamis Sabra, Acting Director of ROTA, said: "By supporting ROTA, the Jaidah Group helps millions of children across Asia to make their dreams come true. On the other hand, by educating Jaidah employees, ROTA gives them the opportunity to live a brighter future. This cooperation is a milestone for both organizations and a resonant message to other big companies that can make a difference."
After the completion of the pilot phase, students and teachers gathered together to celebrate their achievements and share their enthusiasm. The reflection event organized by ROTA, which was held on August 19 in Qatar Academy Junior School Auditorium, was attended by ROTA and Jaidah staff members, and was graced by the presence of Mr. Mohamed Al Jaidah and Dr. Silvia Pessoa, Assistant Teaching Professor, English and Modern Languages, Carnegie Mellon University-Qatar.
Sabah Al Ishaq ROTA Volunteer Specialist, commented "the participants were really interested, they wanted to take part in every single activity during the sessions; we hope that by organizing such sessions we will help them to move forward, and enhance their capabilities and communications skills at work".
Reach Out To Asia envisions a world where all young people have access to the education they need in order for them to realize their full potential and shape the development of their communities. Giving a second chance to migrant low-skilled workers is another expression of ROTA's advocacy efforts on the importance of education.
