WORKING in Geneva, Switzerland requires every foreign worker to know how to read and speak the language. They should have at least an A2 level of the French language otherwise they will not be granted a work permit.
Now that the renewal period is fast-approaching, the Filipino group Ugnayang Bayan (UB), a federation of 35 Filipino associations in the state of Geneva and Vaud, Switzerland is determined to help the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) on this aspect by conducting free French lessons for them.
“The OFWs are under intense pressure to speak French kaya naman the Philippine mission and UB is responding. We are heavily relying on volunteers to teach and we are very grateful to them,” UB vice president for External Affairs Joy Cadangen said.
UB headed by lawyer Morse Flores is leading the free French lessons in preparation to formal school to help the OFWs learn the language better.
It is being conducted for 2 hours for three classes running simultaneously for 8 Saturdays with the help of the group’s officers like vice president Ruvi Parungao.
“The need to learn French is tied to complying with permit issues. No permit means no work and the very high risk of being sent home,” Cadangen said.
The whole project is ran by volunteers from Ugnayang Bayan board, teachers, the Philippine Mission and DOLE. The first volunteers who had been handling French classes to the Filipino community was Charlie Hernandez who has also been very active in lobbying with other NGOs to legalize the TNTs in Geneva.
It is estimated that there are more than 10,000 foreign workers with no permits in Geneva. About 1,000 are OFWs.
Cordillerans are members of Ugnayang Bayan and many are benefitting from the French lessons. At least 20 Cordillerans benefitted from the project on the first batch which was also attended by OFWs from Ilocos and Pangasinan.
Cadangen said that in Geneva, an OFW is defined as they are overseas; are Filipinos; and are working. One of these is to have at least A2 level of the French language. A2 means being able to speak French enough to be able to communicate and understand basic written French.
The said project is also being supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Philippine Consulate General in Geneva through Consul General Atty. Arnel Talisayon.
May this noble project continue to help all OFWs continue their work in Geneva.
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