Which organisations provide courses for domestic helpers?
Andiappan Yoga Community
Andiappan Yoga Community is a non-profit, fully volunteer organization whose mission is to share yoga with those who may not be able to afford yoga classes or those who may have special needs or circumstances.
All of their yoga instructors are certified by the International Yoga Academy, believe in the benefits of yoga, and are committed to teaching yoga on a strictly volunteer basis.
Languages: English
Cost: Free
Address: 1901, One Lyndhurst Tower, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central
Caritas
Caritas provides a range of services for Foreign Domestic Workers, including crisis services and facilitating mutual support groups.
They also provide the following educational & training opportunities:
-
Language Programmes: Cantonese, English, and Mandarin courses.
-
Orientation Seminars: These are designed to help FDWs understand the culture, work expectations, and common living habits of Chinese employers.
-
“Smart Helpers” Thematic Seminars: These include seminars on labour protection, women’s health & occupational health
Languages: English, Bahasa Indonesia, Cantonese
Cost: $0 for seminars. Up to $500 for language courses
Address: G/F, 28A Fortress Hill Road, Fortress Hill
Christian Action
Christian Action offers vocational classes for domestic workers, with subjects including English & Chinese language, financial literacy, and computer use. Has training centres in multiple locations.
Languages: Bahasa, English, Sinhala, Tagalog
Cost: Free
Address: Ngau Tau Kwok Service Centre Room 8, 12/F, Houtex Industrial Building, 16 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon
EmpowerU
EmpowerU is an educational and empowerment platform that originated at HKU as part of a CEDARS knowledge exchange project. Founded by Dr. Michael Manio, EmpowerU (originally called the Domestic Worker Empowerment Program, or DWEP). They provide workshops and training in a variety of subjects like personal health and wellness, law, business and finance, public speaking, science and nature appreciation, arts and literature.
Enrich
Enrich is a Hong Kong charity promoting the economic empowerment of migrant domestic workers.
They offer financial literacy programs designed to help migrant workers in Hong Kong learn about personal finance and investments.
They also offer personal development workshops that train participants in using effective negotiation strategies and assertive speech to protect themselves during financial discussions, particularly with recruitment agencies and family members.
Languages: Bahasa, English, Tagalog
Cost: Under $100
Address: Rm 1102, Enterprise Building, 28 Queens Road Central, Central District
H.O.P.E. Support Service Centre for Ethnic Minorities
The centre’s vision and mission is to support and enhance the integration of ethnic minorities in Hong Kong society and to create an inclusive community that embraces cultural diversity and racial harmony.
They offer Cantonese and English courses to non-Chinese Hong Kong residents.
Cost: $100-$500
Address: 3/F, Tak Lee Commercial Building, 113-117 Wanchai Road, Wanchai
Tel: 2836 3598 ; 5188 8044 (Hotline)
Uplifters
Uplifters is a nonprofit organisation that provides online education for migrant domestic workers. Their vision is to help migrant domestic workers build sustainable futures for themselves, their families and their countries with accessible education.
Their money management and personal development programmes are available through online classrooms making it flexible to fit the schedules of migrant workers.
YMCA of HK Overseas Domestic Workers Programme
The YMCA has a variety of programmes for domestic workers, including computer training, baking, money management, and more.
Splash
Splash offers swimming courses for domestic helpers. This 8 week learn to swim course for Foreign Domestic Workers is run by a group of volunteer swim coaches.
Participants are expected to commit to all 8 sessions and must be in good general health.
Languages: English
Cost: Free
Last updated on August 31st, 2021
