File picture of a Better Connections training pogramme.
The ‘Better Connections’ programme of the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) has begun educating thousands of migrant workers about their rights, health, occupational safety and money management.
This programme was so far well-known for providing free access to computers and internet to workers at labour accommodations so that they can remain connected with families and friends.
An executive report on 'Better Connections' reveals that the programme not only provides free access to computers and internet to workers at various IT halls established at workers’ housing locations but it is also imparting training on vocational safety through well-designed modules.
“In ‘Be Smart, Be Safe’, workers have access to an interactive health and safety module in five languages; Hindi, Bengali, Nepali, as well as English and Arabic, and gain awareness of their rights and responsibilities with regard to health and safety at work,” the report says.
The report adds: “Furthermore, the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), in collaboration with the MOTC, has produced a video on labourers’ rights which is supplied on all of the machines that are installed as part of the 'Better Connections' programme as well as being accessible on the website.”
The executive report further says that the ‘Be Smart and Learn’ module takes users through the basics of health and safety at work, as well as workers’ rights.
“Training is one pillar of the Better Connections Program. The training model cascades knowledge from volunteers, to digital champions and then the larger workers community. Themes include introduction to Qatar, safety at the workplace, mobile money and more.
One of the most popular is the “Money Management” module, which uses an interactive simulator, in five languages, that takes users through the complete process of using an ATM, while the “Mobile Wallet” simulator teaches them how to store, spend and transfer money through their smart phones.
