16 January 2018—Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Charles Jose graced the inauguration Stairway to Hope (STH) Skill Guidance Center on January 13 January 2018 in Kota Kinabalu.  A soft opening was held in December 2017.

This is the first skills guidance alternative learning center (ALC) to be established in Kota Kinabalu.   It is an extension of the primary and secondary education offered by the STH, which was founded by Ms. Marilou Salgatar-Chin.

“The opening of this skill center is a significant development for the Filipinos community in Sabah for it will give our less privilege brothers and sisters in Sabah the hope and the chance for a better future through education,” Ambassador Jose said in his remarks.

It is envisioned to respond to the continuing education and technical skills training needs exclusively for the Filipino youths in Kota Kinabalu who are interested to pursue training in the technical and vocational trades. 

In partnership with hotels, restaurants, and other business centers, the skills guidance center offers basic and advance lessons in computer, carpentry, book keeping and basic accounting, handicraft making, cooking and baking, sewing and tailoring, welding, electrical wiring, manicure, pedicure, beauty enhancement and reflexology. 

The center aims for its students to be able to earn an income while they are learning, with the view to expand their services later to overseas Filipino workers OFWs in Kota Kinabalu to help them be empowered as well. END