Learning Arabic has become a hit among Filipinos here.
Consul-General Gene Calonge, Charge d'Affaires of the Philippine embassy in Abu Dhabi, said: "There is no better way to learn a language than by constant practice, especially with the people who live that language."
Some 80 Filipinos attend the two classes offered every Friday at the Philippine Overseas Labour Office (Polo) in Dubai, while another class is expected to be organised soon at the embassy in Abu Dhabi.
"Here's our big chance to learn the language right here in the Arabian peninsula," said Calonge, who was last posted in Moscow.
Two classes of about 40 students each in Dubai are handled by Professor Malik bin Mohammed, a UK-trained Jordanian who volunteers his Fridays to Filipinos.
Arabic courses are expected to resume soon after Polo completes its transfer to a new compound on Abu Hail Street in Hamriya area.
"Learning Arabic is not that difficult? but it needs devotion," said Prof. Mohammed, who has a 20-year teaching background under his belt.
"Over the years, I've developed my own teaching methodology. I study each student, because there are slow and fast learners. Each one needs personalised attention. Sure, it's not an easy job, but I find joy in seeing them progress from one lesson to another," he said.
Basic Arabic, a 30-hour session, is divided into three modules.
"I know of a housemaid who did her homework early in the morning before her employers were awake. She progressed from reading, writing and even took an advanced course. She was smart. That kind of dedication will take her somewhere."
Maria Salvo, from Bicol, who works for an interior design firm, said: "I've taken it as a personal challenge. Here in Dubai, you can get by with English. So learning Arabic here is a bit more challenging.
"In my work, I deal with government offices a lot and the documents are usually in Arabic. I have to burn the midnight oil because right now, I'm just at the kindergarten level."
Vicente Cabe, Philippine labour attach in Dubai, said: "Based on the numbers we have, I can tell there's a hunger among OFWs to learn proper Arabic."
Polo initially targeted about 40 students for the course comprising 10 Friday classes but ended up opening another class.
Gulf News
