The Tulay or Bridge Education Program aims to train overseas Filipino worker with the use of the internet. This would help both of them to access the technology that would serve as bridge to communicate with each other.

The Tulay Microsoft Project was launched by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and was made possible through the partnership of Microsoft Philippines. This program is under the Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential (UP).

The project primarily aims to provide technology and skills for underserved individuals. Through the Tulay Microsoft Project, OFWs and their families will learn to use basic functionalities of computer such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel as well as the internet and e-mail use at the Community Technology Learning Centers (CTLC).

Tulay will also help OFWs to increase their value in the workplace since they will be equipped with knowledge in information technology (IT). This will also help them become competitive among other nationalities.

The project will also lessen a broken family which is a common problem that arises from the OFWs due to prolonged separation. Because of the accessibility and ease of the internet they can communicate with their love ones thus minimized the social impact of being away home.

The CTLCs are located at the OWWA Central Office, OWWA Satellite Office in POEA, OWWA Regional Welfare Offices in La Union, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro. The CTLCs overseas are located in Riyadh (KSA), Hong Kong, and Taichung (Taiwan).

Tuloy-Aral Project

The Tuloy-Aral Project is another educational program brought to you by DOLE and OWWA. This project would give a chance to children of less fortunate OFWs and other poor elementary and high school children to purse their studies.

The DOLE and OWWA regional offices, with the participation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), searched for children of former OFWs who need financial assistance to continue their study.   The DSWD or DOLE/OWWA prepares a family profile that shall serve as the basis for the selection of the beneficiary.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) also plays a vital role in this project. They looked for OFWs, as well as OFW organization, who are fortunate enough, financially stable and can act as foster parents.

If the OFW is able to act as foster parents, they are requested to provide US $ 100.00 financial support per year to the child-beneficiary to enable him/her to continue his/her elementary or high school education. The money given to the child will cover the expenses for expenses such as books, school supplies, materials for projects, transportation, authorized school contributions, and allowance for the whole school year.

The performance of the child is monitored by the OWWA Family Welfare Officers. The Tuloy-Aral project is available nationwide as it is being replicated in each region of the country.

To avail of the OWWA scholarship, please bring the requirements mentioned above at the nearest OWWA office. For more information please visit the OWWA website at www.owwa.gov.ph.

Source: OWWA