By: Quinten Schouten & Evelyn Naldoza
In the Netherlands, there are a number of possibilities for people with disabilities. They can live independently in a neighborhood with some help provided by agencies. There are also different types of day care centers or supervised work available.
In the Philippines, the DSWD center, which is receiving some support from Nurture the Children Foundation (NCF) & Care for Children Foundation (in Holland) is a full live-in home care available, though there is very little opportunity for a financially rewarding work.
In 2012, the board of trustees of these two foundations brainstormed with the officers of DSWD Region 3 on the possibilities of setting up a supervised program where these challenged persons can be trained to develop skills with the ultimate goal of bringing them to the mainstream. Eleven (11) girls who were resident of Home for Girls in Tarlac, were identified to be trainable. Further evaluation was done by Dutch therapists Quinten Schouten and Josephine Te Pas.
With some research, planning, and consultation and a Memorandum of Agreement between NCF & DSWD, a Sheltered Workshop was set up in Tarlac in 2013. DSWD provided a full-time houseparent for the 11 girls, in the person of Ms. Divina Ramos the livelihood in charge of Home for Girls. NTC subsidized the apartment rent, electric and water bills of the girls, provided some materials and sewing machines and other necessary tools to produce various kinds of accessories – wallets, bracelets, necklace, bags, pillows, etc. Fashion Interiors, the mother company of NTC, displays and sells the girls’ products in its showroom. One hundred percent (100%) sales proceeds all goes to the foundation. The girls were being paid for their products and the total earnings was divided among the girls. To train them manage their own finances, NTC provided funds so the girls can open their own personal bank accounts. During the months that there is no receipt from sales of their products, NTC paid the girls small stipend to cover their daily personal expenses.
Tantrums and conflicts among the women were addressed by Ms. Divina. If any situation is difficult that Ms. Virgie cannot handle, these are resolved by the social workers of Home for Girls, Ms. Jacqueline Bautista and Ms. Leoven Yabut. Notable training, learning and milestone happened the last four (4) years. The girls, who are now full-grown women have matured, learned to live independently, budget their own income, commute by public transport on their own, and run their household with less intervention from the assigned house parent.
Early this year three (3) women were employed as sewers by Sherylyn Garments located in San Rafael, Tarlac City. The other girls left in the Sheltered Workshop continue to be assisted by NTC and DSWD, until such time that they are also fully capable of employment and independence.
For the think-tank of this project, this means fulfillment for being able to accomplish their calling, but there are still so many orphans around the country – thus the mission continues…..
