Sunday is a great day for domestic helpers in Hong Kong to relax and enjoy the company of friends. Yet some use the day to develop future career opportunities by taking a range of occupational training courses offered by the YMCA of Hong Kong.
'The YMCA is concerned about the future of domestic helpers and wants to help them develop their potential rather than to train them to be a super helper in Hong Kong.' says Carolyn Fung, programme officer for the YMCA of Hong Kong.
'Many stay here to work for just a couple of years or so, then start a new life either in their home countries or a Western country. Therefore, we run courses to help them prepare for their future while they are working here.'
The YMCA offers an overseas domestic workers programme with courses on computer studies, health and beauty techniques, early childhood education and basic office and business skills. All are offered quarterly regardless of the length of the course.
'Students are most interested in our computer and beauty courses. Health care courses are also popular including our first aid course since the certificate is recognised internationally.
'English language courses are particularly popular with our Indonesian students as there are not many chances to learn English in their country,' Fung says.
Students are eligible to receive a Windows and Microsoft Group Certificate on successful completion of five courses - basic computer operation and MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel, MS Access and two, six-week computer practice courses.
