Safe Labour Project
Changing the narrative of labour migration in Sri Lanka
Foreign employment contributes 9% to Sri Lanka’s GDP, contributing mostly from low skilled labour. The challenge was that most of these low skilled migrant workers were unaware of the correct way going abroad for employment and therefore fell into difficulties as a result.
The solution was to develop a total strategy leading to a single focus - embark on foreign employment with correct knowledge by contacting a hotline number. Brand communications, which focused on labour migration always took a very serious note. They weren’t impactful enough. A song was composed with the unique '6/8 baila', a popular music style among Sri Lankans, communicating the message in an entertaining yet impactful manner.
Song lyrics - Translation
House mortgaged – Jewelry sold
Drowning in loans
With no money - my heart aches
Having to leave my country – through all this pain
We need to go – we need to earn
We need to come back - We need to stay
We go knowing –we can prosper
To those about to go – let’s go on the right path
We go somehow - through much anguish
But you won’t find work – if you’re not a pro
Waited idle without even learning the language
Odd jobs will not bring you wealth
Gain knowledge - learn the language
Troubles won’t come your way – if you go the right way
We need to go – we need to earn
We need to come back - We need to stay
We go knowing –we can prosper
To those about to go – let’s go on the right path
We earn there through our hardships
And spend here like royals
Two months is all it takes to waste our savings
Next thing you know - it’s just heavy breathing
Learn to save what you earn
And plan your life for when you’re here
Learn as you go along
And troubles will always be far and long
We need to go – we need to earn
We need to come back - We need to stay
We go knowing –we can prosper
To those about to go – let’s go on the right path