Meet Edisa Mudsor, a 50-year-old, determined, and competent graduate of the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) program of the Ministry of Basic, Higher Technical Education through its Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD), which led her to a career as a vocational trainer.
Growing up in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, Mudsor dreamed of a career that would lift her family out of poverty.
Her journey from trainee to successful trainer is truly inspiring and shows the power of hard work and a strong commitment to lifelong change.
âI had to stop my formal education and take up odd jobs to support my family. Eventually, I found work as a domestic helper in Dubai in United Arab Emirates (UAE) where I toiled for long hours to send money for my family,â Mudsor said.
Life was never easy for her, but Mudsor never lost hope.
When she learned about the opportunities for skills training by the government, she decided to enroll in a program that would help her gain valuable skills and knowledge.
She went back in her hometown, in Maguindanao del Sur, to take a leap of faith.
âWhen I came back here, I decided to take various free vocational training courses. I attended classes diligently and practiced my welding skills rigorously because of a strong desire to change my life for a better future,â Mudsor shared.
She’s one of the scholars of the vocation skills training sponsored by the Government of the day in collaboration with the Technical Vocational Institutes (TVIs) in the region.
She completed her training and received a certificate in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW).
âThrough dedication and perseverance, after completing the skill training, I worked as a utility worker in the training center and assistant trainer,â she said.
Mudsor wasted no time in pursuing her dream of becoming a trainer. She took additional training and earned the necessary qualifications and certifications to become a certified trainer.
Empowering community
Her talents and dedication quickly caught the attention of her superiors, and she was soon promoted to trainer. She embraced the role wholeheartedly and was eager to share her passion for empowering others.
Since the inception of BARMM in 2019, she was hired by the Regional Technical Skill Training in Rebuken, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte as a full-fledged trainer.
âThis free vocational training program changed my life; I can help my family and also my community,â she explained
âBeing a vocational trainer isn’t just a job; it’s a way of giving back and making a difference in the lives of others,” she added.
âI will continue to inspire and motivate the out-of-school youth who are unable to attend college due to lack of financial support. And I am proud to see them grow and succeed, knowing that I have played a role in shaping their careers,” said Mudsor.
She has turned her love of welding into a successful career as a trainer, empowering others to follow in her footsteps and achieve their dreams in the welding industry.
She says that without greater access to free education, out-of-school youth who do not have adequate sources of income will continue to be left behind, stressing that “financial and free educational support from the BARMM Government played a crucial role for us.”
Mudsor’s story is a testament to the Government of the Day’s hard work and determination to support the Bangsamoro communities.
“MBHTE-TESD helped me get a better life, and everyone notices and appreciates my expertise. I’m very grateful because this is a lifetime skill,â she added.
âThrough BARMM, we have proven that we can also contribute to the regionâs economy,â she shared with the strong spirit of valuing individual skills and uplifting the socio-economic status of Bangsamoro.
Given this unwavering support from the Government of the day, she encouraged the Bangsamoro people to pursue free vocational training.
The Government of the Day, through its MBHTE-TESD, continues its thrust in realigning the tech-voc programs and services, including scholarship allocations based on the skills needs in the global market in collaboration with the industries, national government agencies, and relevant public and private stakeholders.
It aims to give sustainable livelihood and capacitate the Bangsamoro people. It also provides start-up capital along with equipment and apportioned training support fund.
Mudsor’s story gives hope for many Bangsamoro people and shows that with determination and perseverance, anyone can overcome their circumstances and achieve their goals.
Her journey from being a tech-voc graduate to now a trainer who is shaping the futures of many aspiring individuals is a testament to the transformative power of education and a passion for lifelong learning. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO)