A proud moment unfolded as Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain, Her Excellency Anne Jalando-on Louis, honored the first graduates of Eagle Mind Consultancies, WLL, under its Sustainable Studies Program. The event was in appreciation of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Bahrain who have graduated from the Teaching Assistant Course and the Barista Essentials.
Recently conducted at the Ramada Hotel, Seef Area, the graduation ceremony was awarded to a total of 26 graduates—14 Teacher Assistant Course and 12 Barista Course—making the event a milestone not only for Eagle Mind but also for the Filipino community in Bahrain.
Ambassador Jalando-on Louis, who served as guest of honor and keynote speaker, praised the graduates for their determination and commitment to self-improvement:
She congratulated Dr. Aileen Valian A. Agana, founder of Eagle Mind Consultancies, for the realization of her vision to empower overseas Filipinos through sustainable, purpose-driven education:
“Congratulations to Dr. Aileen and all those involved. This program is a reflection of what dedication, empathy, and strategic action can achieve for our community,” the Ambassador added.
“I admire you for your effort. There is a clear drive in you to continue learning. Instead of being content with the routine of daily life, you made the choice to invest in yourselves—and that takes courage and vision,” she said.
The Sustainable Studies Program, which includes courses like Teacher Assistant, Barista Essentials, Human Capital Development, and Entrepreneurship, is part of Eagle Mind’s broader mission to create empowered, work-ready individuals who can thrive in diverse roles and contribute meaningfully to society.
This graduation marks just the beginning for these 26 individuals, it is not just a completion—but the start of a new journey grounded in learning, leadership, and lasting impact.
The Teacher Assistant Course was guided by a group of experienced teachers and practitioners such as Dr. Aileene Valian A. Agana, Dr. Grace Corpuz, Dr. Yvonne Villamor, Ms. Shiela Jimenez, Ms. Bennette Zafe and Dr. Arthur Basbas. As a group, they provided students rigorous training in instructional support, classroom management, communication, and educational technology. In the meantime, the Barista Essentials Course was conducted by Mr. Frankie Fernandez, who led the trainees in experiential learning, hands-on exercises on coffee preparation, customer care, and work skills—skills closely applicable to Bahrain’s future hospitality sector.
The modules were conceptualized to comprehensively equip participants with experiential, work-readiness skills to make meaningful steps toward a brighter, empowered future.
The graduates-most of whom are already working as cleaners, salesladies, nannies, and domestic helpers – registered in the courses for one specific reason: to dramatically change their line of work and create new avenues of opportunity. Dazzled by a strong desire to improve themselves and have long-term security, these Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) went ahead and upgraded themselves, paving the way for work that not only presents them with greater prospects but also greater sense and satisfaction.
Mind Sustainable Studies
Light years from a conventional curriculum, Teacher Assistant course is one of the pillars of EagleMind’s Work-Readiness Course Program, a series of life-like experiences that not only impart to the learner technical know-how, but also state of mind to lead, enable, and inspire. It is learning elevated by purposeful education.
Building Competence through Real-World Skill Building
The Teacher Assistant Course is not a training, it’s a journey under guidance to become an indispensable classroom colleague. Students learn intensive hands-on modules that reflect actual classroom requirements. During the course period, they develop their expertise in:
• Instructional Support – How to aid lesson preparation, reiterate key concepts, and stimulate students’ active learning
• Classroom Management – Building an understanding of student behavior dynamics and maintaining a healthy, productive classroom environment
• Communication and Collaboration – Achieving professional communication with teachers, parents, and peers—always compassionate and clear
• Organizational Skills – From coordinating teaching materials to keeping student records, trainees cultivate a close attention to detail and dependability
• Educational Technology – Becoming proficient with interactive software and tools fast becoming classroom essentials
But of greatest value of all the competencies nurtured by the course is emotional intelligence—the capacity to read other people’s needs, build rapport, and facilitate learning for everyone.
Part of EagleMind’s larger mission, the Teacher Assistant Course is merely one among a whole slate of programs such as Entrepreneurship, Barista Essentials, and Human Capital Development that build a community where being job-ready is also being impact-ready.
‘’This is not merely a course. This is a movement—toward resilient learning, empowered communities, and futures driven by individuals who will not merely participate, but lead’’, Dr. Agana explained.
Also present at the event was Dr. Nehal Naggar, Royal University for Women Dean of Student Affairs, whose attendance served to lend yet more impact to the proceedings. Her visit was a testament to an increasing respect for the work of Eagle Mind within the wider academic and professional community of Bahrain.
The celebration was also made more vibrant with the presence of a number of Filipino community organizations in Bahrain, whose presence helped to highlight the deep solidarity and cameraderie among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Included among the organizations represented present to express their solidarity with the event and to celebrate with the graduates’ success were the CFO Christian Family Organization, Good Cause Bahrain, Pinay Ikaw Na (PIN), Filipino Business Council Bahrain and the Filipino Writers’ Circle (Filwrite)—all to reinforce the culture of shared pride and empowerment of the Filipino diaspora.
The activity was facilitated by the generosity of sponsors, SoHo Homes Café and LBC Bahrain, whose vision for community building and education provided way for the project. Their collaboration with Eagle Mind Consultancies, WLL speaks volumes about cooperation in the making of great opportunities for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Bahrain.
Ms. Karen Letran, Chief Executive Officer of Artful. a creative and innovative enterprise based in Bahrain, served as the Master of Ceremonies.
