Launch of Aceh Migrant Helpdesk & UNI-MIG Indonesia (SPMI) West Aceh
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On March 17, 2009, Bro. Bro Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal inaugurated the Helpdesk for Migrant Workers in West Aceh. This was followed by the launching of UNIMIG Indonesia (SPMI) chapter West Aceh at the Padang Mancang Community Center. Led by a strong female community leader, Sis. Umi Hanisah, the programs at Community Centre of Padang Mancang in Meulaboh, Aceh Barat places more emphasis on women’s and children’s education. In particular, agricultural workshops and vocational skills training such as computer and sewing are popular in the community. In this event, Bro Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal, President of UNI Malaysia Liaison Council, timely took the opportunity to handover the donation of sewing machines and 1 unit of electricity generator to Padang Mancang Community Center. The sewing machines will help in enhancing the community’s capacity to train female teenagers to acquire sewing skills. Meanwhile, the generator set is very critical facility given that these areas are often lacking access to electricity. Migrant Helpdesk and UNI MIG Indonesia In his message address to the community, the Major of West Aceh expressed his appreciation and extended his support on behalf of the Local Government to UNI Apro’s opening of the migrant helpdesk and the launching of UNIMIG Indonesia (SPMI) chapter West Aceh. He further hoped that this occasion could further foster greater relationship between Malaysia and Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam in future. Trained by TUCC and armed with a good knowledge on migrant issues, five (5) volunteers from the community have been assigned as the officers of UNIMIG Indonesia Chapter West Aceh. Their work involved providing services to assist migrants effectively and to coordinate with Aspek/TUCC as well as with UNI MLC helpdesks that are stationed all over Malaysia. The local community immensely supported this helpdesk office which they deem as very important especially as a source of information and communication for them to raise queries about migrant issues. This helpdesk also serves as a pre departure information booth should they consider seeking work overseas one day. In addition, the Padang Mancang Community Center also functions as a shelter and housing for: - Return migrants who need to be reintegrated back into their community - Victims of trafficking, and - Victims of violence on women |