TO further improve the protection and welfare of the kids of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has ordered the creation of the OFW Children’s Circle (OCC).
In a statement, the OWWA Board of Trustees announced the establishment of a new flagship program for OFW families, particularly the children left behind.
“The OCC aims to help OFW children to achieve their full potential in community- and nation-building,” the OWWA said. “It will also address the societal impact of labor migration, such as separation from an OFW-parent, as well as negative effects on their well-being and mental health.”
OWWA said the OCC shall serve as a venue to showcase the creative skills and talents of OFW children, improve their socialization skills and harness coping mechanisms, and foster awareness in youth-centered and civic advocacies such as environment and climate change, values reorientation, digital literacy, and anti-drugs and substance abuse, among others.
It also aims to build camaraderie among OFW children, develop potential leaders among them, and encourage their participation in policy and program development.
Under OWWA Board Resolution No. 7, P15 million has been allocated for the OCC’s initial implementation to cover operational and administrative expenses.
It will be initially implemented by OWWA Regional Welfare Offices in the National Capital Region, Ilocos Region, Calabarzon, Central Visayas, and Davao Region.
