OFWs in Kuwait who signed up for OWWA’s STEP UP Program are getting a clearer picture of what it may offer: skills training, education pathways, livelihood opportunities, and discounts from partner establishments.
OWWA–OWO Kuwait held its STEP UP Orientation and E-Card Partners Recognition and Ceremonial Signing on October 24, 2026, at the Dolphin Continental Hotel in Salmiya. The activity follows the office’s earlier call for OFWs to register their interest in the program.
What OWWA Presented
The orientation introduced OFWs to the Skills Training and Employability Promotion and Upskilling (STEP UP) Program. OWWA partnered with TESDA, CHED, DepEd, and DTI–Small Business Corporation (SB Corp.) to present options for training, further education, and livelihood.
- OFWs learned about skills training and upskilling opportunities.
- The program also covers education and livelihood pathways for migrant workers.
- OWWA recognized its existing E-Card partner establishments.
- New partners formalized their participation through a ceremonial signing.
- OWWA said the activities aim to widen opportunities and strengthen services for Filipinos in Kuwait.
More Than Education Support
The earlier STEP UP registration call focused on education, particularly OWWA and CHED’s Lifelong Learning Education Assistance Program for OFWs (LEAP-OFWs). The October 24 event broadened the discussion to include skills training and livelihood opportunities.
- STEP UP covers skills training, employability promotion, and upskilling.
- LEAP-OFWs supports OFWs who want to continue their studies while working abroad.
- Qualified OFWs may also explore the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP), where prior learning and work experience may be assessed for academic credit.
- TESDA supports skills development, assessment, certification, and reintegration services for OFWs and their families.
- The inclusion of DTI–SB Corp. points to a livelihood and entrepreneurship component, though OWWA has not yet released program-specific details.
E-Card Perks for OFWs
OWWA also recognized E-Card partner establishments and welcomed new partners during the event. These establishments offer special benefits and discounts to OFWs in Kuwait, adding a practical benefit beyond training and education.
- The OWWA E-Card serves as proof of active OWWA membership.
- Partner establishments may provide OFWs with discounts and other exclusive benefits.
- Reported offers in Kuwait include savings on food, cargo, medical services, travel, education, and telecom services.
- Partner lists, discounts, and terms may change, so OFWs should confirm details directly with OWWA or the establishment before using an offer.
- OWWA Kuwait has scheduled E-Card issuance and registration activities from October 26 to November 19, 2026.
What OFWs Should Do Next
For OFWs who already submitted the STEP UP interest form, the orientation signals that OWWA Kuwait is moving beyond sign-ups and into wider program promotion. The official post did not provide details on participating schools, available courses, scholarship amounts, or deadlines.
- Wait for official OWWA and CHED instructions on the next steps.
- Check eligibility requirements before enrolling in any program.
- Confirm whether a training, education, or livelihood offer applies to your situation.
- Keep OWWA membership active to access E-Card benefits and OWWA services.
- Verify all details through official OWWA channels before paying fees or submitting documents.
OWWA’s latest Kuwait activity shows that STEP UP is being positioned as more than an education program. It is also a broader effort to connect OFWs with skills upgrading, livelihood options, and consumer benefits while they continue working abroad.
The official OWWA–OWO Kuwait announcement and video highlights are available below: