The University of the Philippines Open University – Faculty of Management and Development Studies (UPOU-FMDS) hosted a scoping workshop on 10 August 2024, 1:00 – 3:00 PM via Zoom to address the challenges faced by Filipino nurses working internationally, particularly in the Middle East. The workshop’s objectives included conducting a comprehensive needs assessment to identify the key challenges faced by nurses, exploring broader issues encountered by OFWs, and assessing personal and educational needs. The findings will guide the development of micro-credential programs tailored to address these challenges and support career advancement.
The meeting marked a significant step forward in the University of the Philippines Ventures for International and Transformative Academia (UP VINTA) program, which aims to provide UP quality education to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families, transcending geographical boundaries.
The workshop built on insights gained from the launch of VINTA on 08 June 2024, which provided an initial assessment of nurses and alumni of UPOU. This flagship initiative of the UP System is dedicated to making UP education accessible and borderless, ensuring that knowledge reaches Filipino workers around the globe.
The need for the scoping workshop was underscored by several critical factors. As of 2020, there are approximately 4,400 nurses working in the public sector under the Dubai Health Authority, with a continued shortage of skilled professionals highlighting the urgent need for enhanced professional development opportunities. Notably, six out of ten or 60% of nurses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are Filipinos, emphasizing their crucial role in the region’s healthcare sector and underscoring the need for targeted educational initiatives.
The broader context reveals that nearly 1.96 million OFWs are employed across various professions in the Middle East. This large diaspora highlights the necessity for educational programs tailored to their unique challenges and professional development needs. Many Filipino families in the region face the challenge of separation when children return to the Philippines for higher education, a situation that borderless education initiatives like UP VINTA aim to alleviate.
The workshop also addressed the fact that many nurses in the Middle East lack advanced degrees. To support career progression and skill enhancement, the development of micro-credential courses was emphasized. These programs aim to provide advanced education opportunities, helping nurses advance their careers and enhance their qualifications globally.
In addition to professional skills, the workshop recognized the broader issues faced by OFWs, including mental health challenges, financial literacy, and social integration. Many OFWs experience significant stress and mental health issues due to the pressures of working abroad and being separated from their families. Financial management and social adaptation are also critical concerns, as many workers struggle with saving and investing their earnings and establishing social networks in new environments.
To address these issues, the workshop proposed the development of targeted microcourses. These courses would not only focus on professional skills but also address personal well-being, providing support for mental health, financial management, and social integration. By tackling these broader challenges, the initiative aims to enhance both the professional effectiveness and overall well-being of Filipino nurses working in the Middle East.
This scoping workshop represents a crucial step in enhancing the support and professional development of Filipino nurses abroad. The initiatives outlined aim to improve the quality of healthcare services in the Middle East and contribute to the personal and professional growth of these dedicated healthcare professionals.
The event is also in support of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Numbers 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 4 (Quality Education), and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). By addressing these areas, the workshop aims to contribute to the overall quality of healthcare services and the well-being of Filipino nurses in the Middle East.
Written by Sydney Rovin Macahiya ♦ Edited by Larry N. Cruz ♦ Cross-posted from FMDS Website
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