The Franciscan Sisters of the Poor and the Saint Catherine of Alexandria Parish of the Diocese of Dumaguete have embarked on a livelihood project for the poor and beggars who are recipients of the feeding program of the parish.
The livelihood project aims to help the beneficiaries earn money in order to have decent living as well as to boost their self confidence and dignity.
According to Sister Maria Atorino, one of the Italian nuns who manage the feeding program of the parish, the idea surfaced in their prayer to help the beneficiaries to stop begging for food and asking for alms in the streets. Majority of the beneficiaries of the feeding program are children.
Sister Maria said the adult beneficiaries are encouraged to join the livelihood project which involves making of plant boxes through the use of discarded pieces of wood from crates. The proceeds of the livelihood project will be used to purchase additional materials and pay the salary of the workers.
Sister Maria said the idea was created when Teresa Uymatiao expressed her willingness to help the missionary works of mercy of the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor at the diocese.
At present, there are five workers — two female and three male – who are paid at P120 per day.
A carpenter guides the workers in making accurate measurement including the proper way of cutting the wood.
Sister Maria also assists the carpenter in maintaining the quality control of the finished product to attain a good market price.
She said she wants the women beggars to learn simple skills like hand sewing, crocheting and cross stitching in the near future.
Msgr. Julius Heruela, the project is a welcome development because it will help reduce the number of beggars in the streets. The skills they learn in carpentry can be applied for them to earn a living.
He added that the continuous services of the feeding program include sending children back to school while the parish will provide their school needs.
The out of school youth are also having regular classes at the second floor of the Marian Priest Center through the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education. (PNA)
