WHEN YOUNG ADULTS FROM EXCLUSION BECOME ENTREPRENEURS!
This book is an annex to the LIFE PROJECT 4 YOUTH Alliance 2012 Annual Report.
The LIFE PROJECT 4 YOUTH Alliance is the international group coordinating the LP4Y humanitarian associations in Asia, Europe and America.
www.lp4y.tv www.lp4y.org LP4Y is the founding member of Youth 4 Change www.youth4c.net
General email address: info@lp4y.org
Edited in the Philippines by LIFE PROJECT 4 YOUTH Foundation Inc. Unit 4, Don Bosco, R-10 Marcos Road, Barangay 110 Zone 009, Tondo, Manila 1010, Philippines Printed by LSA Printing Press Inc. 888 Edsa Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines Copyright LP4Y Foundation Inc. 2013 All rights reserved.
CONTENTs
P. 8-9
Preface
P. 11
The “PORTRAITS” Project
P. 14-15
Joel D. Calisaan
P. 16-17
Julie Anne P. Caballero
P. 18-19
Angelie W. Lanaja
P. 22-23
Domingo Ong
P. 24-25
Romie Catacutan
P. 26-27
Mattet Alburo
P. 28-29
Adonis N. Franco
P. 30-31
Mastura JR A. Mananggolo
P. 34-35
Juhn Rolito G. Molar
P. 36-37
Elsie L. Sevilla
P. 38-39
Dragen R. Aliviado
P. 40-41
Timothy Dizon
P. 42-43
Maris E. Infante
P. 44-45
Maria Paz Rendoza
P. 48-49
Venus O. Olave
P. 50-51
Mary Ann M. Gripon
P. 52-53
Richie B. Butigan
P. 54-55
Mark A. Sandico
P. 56-57
Jude Madrid
P. 58-59
Macmac – Mark Anthony Datvin
P. 62-62
Johnson N. Moralde
P. 64-65
Gin – Ginalyn C. Tabale
P. 66-67
Ana Marie R. Greenough
P. 68-69
Norman N. Bendula
P. 72-73
Al & RR – Al A. Mindug & Reandro A. Recto
P. 74-75
Paul Art Dizon
P. 78-79
LP4Y’s Pedagogical Project
P. 80-81
The “Portraits” Team 3
PREFACE
I
t can be tough finding your way, when you’re 16,
brave beyond limits ... but their hearts are full of failure,
19, or 22. You’ve left childhood behind, but are not
despair and violence. The load they carry grows heavier
yet an adult, and each day proves a challenge. Du-
with every passing month, until one day it is too much
ring this time of transformation it is sometimes hard to
to bear.
know which direction to take through the haze of uncer-
m
ore than 50 Young people have now been
conjunction with the Young people we decided to come
integrated following a 9-18 month period
up with 27 portraits to help us understand what it means
in a Life Project Center. And yet, because
to take control of one’s own life, and how to become one’s
of their social background, because they
own entrepreneur.
do not have the benefit of parental support, or a univer-
tainty. About half the Young people in the world can claim
From 2003 to 2008 Jean-Marc managed one of the shel-
sity diploma, the problem of integrating excluded Young
Their example gives hope to those who don’t believe it is
reassurance during this period of transition from institutions
ters for the homeless in Paris (1), and year after year the
people living in extreme poverty remains consistently com-
possible to escape exclusion, and shows the way to those
such as school, family, youth clubs, home ... But for the
same observation was made: however difficult it may be for
plex. Which is why the integration effort continues even
who decide to try their chances. It also proves to those who
other half there is no safety rail as they cross that bridge,
Young people to achieve professional and social insertion,
after leaving the Life Project Center, for roughly 6 months,
doubt, that it is necessary and worthwhile to invest in all
and each day is a balancing act as they make their way
the chances of achieving this insertion diminish with age…
up to the point of inclusion into the adult world. The first
Young, leaving not one behind.
towards the unknown.
steps, as well as the last, can be among the most difficult. Young people have quite exceptional powers of resilience
Every day our admiration for these young people increases.
This first series of “Portraits” consists of videos, which can
Currently 89% of young people live in developing countries.
(2), and it is important to make the most of this and seize
They are capable of great transformations in a short space
be viewed on http://www. lp4y.tv, as well as photos and
For many of them the day is spent just trying to look after
the chance while there is still time.
of time, and their hunger for success is extraordinary.
text which make up this book published in French and En-
their most basic needs. Where can I get what I need ...
glish, and a touring exhibition available in Europe.
now? There are currently 550 million young people living
These observations led to the creation of the international
They have understood that if things are going to change
in extreme poverty, below the poverty threshold of $2 US
Life Project 4 Youth in 2009. We started in the Philippines
they must use what they have been through, their unbea-
Let yourself be inspired by the moving stories of these
per day. These young people can be found in cities, near
with the creation of 5 pilot programs aimed at showing
rable pasts, as a springboard to their future. Their past ex-
Young people, the heralds of an inclusive world.
stations or markets, selling themselves for a pittance, in
that it is possible to achieve the social and professional
periences can never be forgotten, but if positively channe-
slums and abandoned buildings where they rest when mor-
insertion of Young victims of exclusion living in extreme
led with the help of a coach these experiences can become
ning comes. Sometimes they are thrown into prison as a
poverty. With an international team of volunteers we ap-
the founding force of their ambitions for tomorrow.
way of clearing the streets, or hidden away out of sight,
proached the enormous challenge of defining a pedagogy
because their handicap or illness brings shame and an
which could be put in place to bring about the social and
By taking lasting control of their own lives these Young people
unbearable financial burden on their families. Scared to
professional insertion of these Young people.
can break the vicious circle of extreme poverty and exclu-
test the outside world they put up with abuse in the home,
4
sion. We have become aware of the extraordinary potential
which they soon leave behind for marital violence ... or to
1) Coeur de Haltes / Coeur de Femmes. Merged with the
of these Young people, not only because they can achieve
join gangs.
Aurore association in 2009.
success for themselves, but also because they can become a
2) Resilience: the ability to bounce back, to overcome situa-
generator of success for their immediate communities.
For the most part and despite these inhuman conditions,
tion, otherwise “the art of navigating the rapids”, as defined
the Young adapt to their situation with a phenomenal show
by the French psychiatrist Boris Cyrulnik.
This is the path that led us to the project: “Portraits: When
Jean Marc and Laure Delaporte
of strength. They appear energetic, joyful, friendly, and
3) Life Project 4 Youth’s Pedagogical platform: details on pp 78-79.
Young Adults from Exclusion become Entrepreneurs.” In
Manila 5
THE PROJECT
A
s we accompany dozens of Young people on
racteristics. A tough challenge, but stimulating, involving
their day to day progress through the Life Pro-
photos, text, video ... Each team member had a part to
ject Centers we see proof of how self-know-
play. The photos now form a book and an exhibition. The
ledge is essential for rebuilding a life. We
videos are available for viewing on www.lp4y.tv
therefore looked for ways to acquire such self-knowledge
Only 27 “portraits” have been selected for inclusion in this
without having to embark on in-depth psychology.
book, but they could all be here. There was no real reason for choosing one portrait over another; it just happe-
It soon became apparent that this was something that nee-
ned, and we hope that the success of this first selection will
ded to be done by the Young people themselves, helping
enable us to produce subsequent editions. When the text
each other come to an understanding of their different per-
was written by the Young people it appears in quotation
sonality types. One of the first games we play when a new
marks. Some individuals wished to talk about their past,
group joins one of the centers focuses on getting to know
others preferred to emphasize their plans and dreams for
a team mate and creating a “portrait” of them on a large
the future ... Almost all expressed the hope that their story
board, adding pictures, words or drawings taken from old
serve to inspire others. These Young people, taking control
newspapers and magazines. This is a great way of put-
of their lives, despite the enormous difficulties in their path,
ting their understanding of another person at the center of
go to show that ALL YOUNG PEOPLE ARE THE FUTURE
things when joining the group. The Young people demons-
OF OUR WORLD. Not one of them should be left behind,
trated such talent at this activity that we decided to take the
abandoned by the side of the road. The “Portraits” project
concept a little further ...
has demanded an enormous amount of work, calling on the various talents of all members of the LP4Y team over
And so the “Portraits” project was born.
the past few months. The names of all those involved can be found on pages 80 and 81.
Their challenge was to work as a group creating a “portrait” of each team member, focusing on their core cha-
We thank them wholeheartedly for their commitment! 7
PORTRAITS W H E N Y O U N G A D U LT S F R O M E x C L U S I O N BECOME ENTREPRENEURS
9
JOËL
D.Calisaan
Human Resources
get a foot in the door when he was taken on for a one
assista nt a nd father
about his qualifications he sidestepped the question neatly,
to Jo h n G a i a
from LP4Y Foundation”. He owes his luck to his direct boss
month internship. At first when his colleagues asked him answering nonetheless truthfully “Entrepreneur’s diploma who noticed Joel’s great strength of character and intuitive skills. In him Joel has a loyal supporter. Month after
10
Joel is an amazing dancer. He won second place in a talent
month Joel has shown his ability to cope with the succes-
show organized by the national pharmacy chain where he
sive challenges that have come his way. Not long ago Joel
works in HR. In fact he could have won first prize, had he
became a father, to John Gaia! Despite a busy schedule
not exceeded the allotted time, carried away as he was by
and regular travel Joel makes sure he stays in touch with
his passion for excellence. Just a few days later his tempo-
those who matter to him. It is almost impossible now to
rary contract was changed to a permanent contract; a rare
recall the hardships of his past ... but when you meet Joel
feat at a time when Young people are so often engaged
you soon realize that at 21 he has embarked on a second
in work of a precarious nature, sometimes spending years
life. Unlike the first time around, this time he makes his own
working without a contract. A year ago Joel managed to
choices every day. 11
w
JuLie Anne P. C A B A L L E R O Lo vely, dyna mic, incredibly determined
She signs with great precision, often very fast - Julie Anne does not like to waste time. But if you miss a sign or two you can catch up quickly by just following the expressions on her face ... Julie Anne likes to be understood, and won’t leave you in confusion. If you are lucky enough to meet her you quickly sense her commitment. She is an independent learner, always on the lookout for new responsibilities, which she assumes with energy and poise. She is the natural leader in her family and has also assumed this role in the community of the hearing-impaired. She has taken up the struggle against those who believe that the hearing-impaired cannot do a normal job, and she now works as a secretary for a fast food chain. Julie Anne’s dignity serves as a warning to those tempted to make simplistic assumptions! 12
13
AngeLie w.Lanaja
A comedian with a big heart
Imagine that you’re making a presentation to a room of 500 people, when all of a sudden one girl in the midst of the crowd draws your attention. It happened to me during a celebration organized by the hearing-impaired community in Iligan, a small town in the south of the Philippines. Or you might have your back turned, talking to your neighbor, but the minute Angelie gets up on stage and does a dance or a turn, and you will know, because of her ability to concentrate the audience’s attention. This too happened to me. Angelie is enthusiastic and always game. And if a situation arises between two people, Angelie will straighten things out with humor and charm. Angelie became deaf through accident, but doesn’t blame anyone. A few months ago she successfully took a test to work in a restaurant. She’s a little frustrated waiting for the job to start, but she’s learning to be patient! With the experience and money she will earn she plans to open an internet cafe. She has decided she would like 2 children but not just yet. When Angelie signs it’s like watching a magician ... with a big sense of humor. 14
15
16
17
DOMingO ong
Seeking solutions to life’s problems, one day at a time
18
From an early age Dom loved uniforms – all uniforms.
point he did wonder, and adjusted his dreams: plan B –
Dom likes order and cleanliness, strict rules. For him there
become a mechanic. Dom is a leader, and knows how to
is no doubt about the way forward; he dreamt about it
help those around him find their way without influencing
for so long when locked up. But even dreaming with his
them. You can’t mince words with him; he’ll ferret out the
eyes closed, Domingo knows exactly where he’s going.
truth before you’re done, so with Dom you get straight to
Every month we would ask him about his life project, but
the point. People follow Dom because he is fair and just.
he never deviated from his initial choice, although he had
He follows his own advice. He is reassuring. Domingo will
his doubts, having set his sights so high. The essence is to
make an honest policeman for his country and his commu-
find the means ... only in the end will we see what shape
nity. Thanks to sponsorship from Marie, an ex- volunteer,
it takes! Dom struggles with himself to turn his dreams into
Domingo is now a student at the Philippine College of Cri-
reality, but there’s no-one more stubborn. And yet, at one
minology. 19
ROMie Catacuta n
Break with the vicious circle of miser y, a nd chose your own path
In the Philippines death is never far away. It even enables some people to survive. Romie’s family – his parents and 11 children – live day to day with death. They are responsible for the security of one section of the cemetery, and run a small stand 2 days a week. One year Romie worked as a porter in the cemetery, earning 1,500 pesos a month (equivalent to €30, below the extreme poverty threshold). Some time ago Romie’s mother was killed in a motorbike accident when a jeepney (local public transport) knocked them over and failed to stop, while the one behind it ran them over. Romie thought it was all over, but he pulled himself together and decided to take on death. Romie laughs loud to forget his pain, he cooks often as he is always hungry, and he is working hard to become an electrician. Thanks to the savings he made at the Life Project Center he has been able to take a course and has found an internship with a company operating in his specialized field. Romie is learning his trade, and today he is a man. 20
21
M At t e t ALBURO
The fisherman’s daughter “My father works as a fisherman many hours from here, on a small boat which cannot leave the shallow waters in search of larger fish. In my country there are lots of typhoons which make fishing impossible for days at a time. So then there is no income. For 2 years I worked as a maid, then one year as a shop assistant. At one point I was earning 2,500 pesos a month. (€45!) Then I joined my sister who was selling candles and flowers in the Carreta cemetery in Cebu City. That’s where I met Laure and Jean-Marc Delaporte. They asked me to join the first LP4Y team in Cebu. I think it was the luckiest moment of my life. So I worked hard, and tried to be patient and professional. I was part of the team that launched the first candle making activity and the Life Project Center. Thanks to that experience I was able to progress, and a few months ago I enrolled in a business studies course at university. I have good results, and I work in the cemetery when I have time. But still, I am worried, as I do not know how I am going to pay for next term’s tuition. But we will find a way. Can you believe it? A fisherman’s daughter going to university? Well that’s me: Mattet Alburo!” 22
23
Adonis’ 3 achievements
Achievement No 1: Here to be hearing-impaired is a handicap, and if you are handicapped you are a pariah. And yet Adonis managed to stay in school long enough to gain his high school diploma. Achievement No 2: Adonis has graduated from being a “tourist” to being “Captain”, elected by the other 22 hea-
ADOniS N.FRANCO
ring-impaired Young people at the Life Project Center. He inspires others to follow his example. Achievement No 3: A few months ago Adonis was taken on as a waiter in one of the restaurants in town. No-one thought it was possible – not even him! Despite the hard work, the hours, the low pay and the teasing from his coworkers Adonis stuck with it and is still there. With these 3 achievements under his belt Adonis knows more lie ahead.
24
25
MAStuRA JR A.MANANGGOLO An exceptional optimist, despite the scars of the past
Mastura’s story begins with a long slide into exclusion. At
a wealthy German, who liked young boys ... It would last
the age of 2 he became deaf. As part of a large family of
5 years.
5 brothers and 6 sisters he could sense that this was the
26
last straw. He tried lip-reading, but it’s very difficult, and
But Mastura didn’t let himself get down, and when an op-
no good when people use words you have yet to learn.
portunity arose he seized it! With LP4Y he is learning fast
People mocked him.
and discovering who he is. Thanks to his savings and with
When he was 12 he at last began to learn sign language.
help from supporters he has begun his studies.
But that was no help, since no-one at home had time to
He has turned his back on easy money and now works as
learn his language. So to keep him out of trouble they gave
a handyman to pay his living costs. At the age of 20 he
him the housework to do, the washing. And who was he
has learnt how to set limits – both for himself and for others.
to complain?
Never again will he be a slave to anyone or anything. And
In due course, flattered that at last someone was paying
today his family looks at him with new eyes.
him some attention, he allowed himself to be seduced by
One day he will make true his dream to become a cook. 27
28
29
Juhn ROLitO G. molar
Pushing back the limits to fulfill a dream At the age of 16 Juhn left his family to try his chances in Manila, where his only goal was survival. After a few odd jobs he ended up in the streets, with no idea of where to go next. Then one day he came to the Center. And before the week was up his talent had made itself known – clearly visible to all on the heads of his friends. A budding hairdresser was revealed, with a passion worth developing. He took a year to acquire experience, doing internship after internship, sleeping on the salon floor to be first there in the morning, and last at night. He is now a salon employee, gaining new clients every day with his charm and good nature. A professional from Paris confirms; this youngster has talent! 30
31
eLSie
L. SEVILLA Elsie’s prayer
Dear Lord, Thank you for putting in my path people who have become dear to me, who encourage me without fail, and who help me to pay for my studies. Without them I could not make true my dream of graduating from university. I know it will not always be easy. So when I encounter difficulties, let me be inspired by these people, to succeed and not lose hope. And allow me to share my blessings with other Young people who also need help. Thank you Lord 32
33
DRAgen R. aliviado Life line
March 3rd, 1993: The day I was born
One day a friend spoke to me about the Life Project Center.
Age 8: That year my parents argued all the time. One day
But at times it is hard to confront reality and I preferred
my father pulled a gun on my mother ... and disappeared
to disappear to forget and be beholden to no-one. But I
with everything we owned. Forever.
kept coming back, because I knew that my team at LP4Y
Age 10: My mother developed a mental illness. My grand-
needed me.
mother came to look after us. Age 12: My mother got worse and could no longer work.
Now I am a manager at LP4Y. I just need a few more
My aunt adopted me.
months to recover fully, and then shortly before my 20th
Age 14: I stopped going to school, and stopped believing
birthday I will be joining an IT company. I have passed
in a future.
all the necessary tests, and in the meantime I’m working
Age 17: My aunt sent me back to my mother’s, and I found
on my personal skills. Sometimes it’s really hard! I wonder
some work.
what I will be doing in 20 years time ...
Age 18: No more work, and I began spending all my time in an internet cafe. 34
35
tiMOthy dizon The balancing act of survival…
Tim enjoys ideas and debating them. He has a highly entertaining capacity for pushing an argument beyond the realms of reason and into the danger zone! Tim is always in control of the situation, the more dramatic the better, and it has always been this way with him. He’s seen it all. Tim is like a tightrope walker. But not everyone gets to watch the display; you have first to surprise him into trusting you. Many times I’ve been under the impression that Tim had worked hard to set up the scenario he was presenting. But the reality of what he has been through is worse than you might imagine. Tim is a talented artist, but if you draw attention to him he will slip away with a gentle smile on his lips. In recent months Tim has launched his own business. To order one of his designs contact him on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrawMechanix Not long ago Tim’s real father got in touch. They do not have the same name. For the first time in his life Tim felt like someone’s son. But instinctively, like a born tightrope walker, Tim knows that to avoid falling he must fix his sights far ahead. 36
37
MARiS E. infante
Maris’ numbers 13
The age at which Maris stopped school for finan cial reasons,
4m2
The size of the family home,
11
The number of people who live there,
500
Pesos (€10) – The weekly savings she hands over
17
at Christmas, 12
to her mother every Friday, 2
Maris and her sister are the only 2 members of the family with an income,
38
The number of candles on her last birthday cake,
The duration in months of the contract she recently signed,
1,000
The number of stars in her eyes when she talks about starting her own business. 39
MARiA
paz rendoza
M
is for Mother. Maria’s mother is a maid and only comes
home once a month. So Maria looks after her 2 little brothers and the house.
A
is for Attachment. Which Maria needs. She says “LP4Y
is my new family”.
R
is for restaurant. Maria’s dream is to become a chef. She
loves to prepare a beautiful table, to cook, serve customers. Her 3 month catering course has given her confidence.
I
is for Industrious. This is an important word for Maria.
“I am hard working, I will succeed”.
A
is for adamant. Maria is determined to continue to stick
with the LP4Y program, whatever her father says.
40
41
42
43
venuS O.olave
“When
your
name
is
Venus,
anything is possible”
And Venus inspires, with her smile, her boundless energy, her optimism and enthusiasm for each new challenge. “Thanks to LP4Y I can build a solid foundation for my family. Even when I’m exhausted I make myself get up because I want to make a success of my life”. Aged 22, Venus is a single mother expecting her third child. She was the first young woman to enroll in the Life Project Center in Vitas Tondo. “Even if you live in the poorest slum in Manila, you can escape to better things, if you follow in Venus’ footsteps!” Venus, with her good-humored teasing and her leadership skills, is an exceptional young woman. 44
45
MARy Ann M.gripon Good news!
“I’ve got some good news for you, Mary Ann; your daugh-
Since the age of 15, Mary has been trying to survive in
ter’s coming home on Friday”. Mary Ann’s face breaks
a few square meters on the Tondo dumpsite, the infamous
into a smile, at the news that she will soon have her child
“Smokey Mountain”. Mary Ann is expecting her third child
back. She’s 18, and her one and a half year old daughter,
and has plans for the future. She wants to become a bu-
Princess Ayesha, has been in a center for malnourished ba-
siness woman, and she knows it won’t be easy. Her ques-
bies for several months now. Prince Abel, aged 7 months,
tioning gaze triggers questions within each of us.
lives with Mary Ann’s father and stepmother ... there was no other solution. 46
Thank you Mary Ann, for everything you represent. 47
Richie B . b u t i g a n
An amazing young woman For a long time people made decisions for Richie without ever consulting her. She is hearing-impaired and doesn’t speak, so they figured she didn’t belong, didn’t feel, had nothing to say. She had a childhood of forbearance. Richie hasn’t forgotten her past, but she doesn’t seek revenge. She knows that her future will be different. The way Richie chooses to look at the people and events that have colored her life, then and now, is her stepping stone to her future. Richie only went to elementary school but now she’s making up for lost time. She thrives on responsibility and so the team has given her stewardship of the Hear Us house finances in the hearing-impaired community at the Life Project Center in Iligan. Richie has a gift for IT and has been selected by a fast food chain to do a 6 month secretarial internship. One day Richie will be strong enough to reclaim her son, who was taken from her at birth. 48
49
MARk
A.Sandico To u g h e n o u g h to o vercome misery
I used to belong to a very violent gang. I have a mother who loves me, but who is very sick. My father owes money to dealers and we live in a house that we risk losing at any moment; a house that is in danger of collapsing. I have to help pay for my mother’s medication. I’m turning my life around and will soon have a job as a security guard. I am Mark, and I am becoming a decent man.
50
51
JuDe madrid
Car efr ee young ma n by day, responsible dad in the evening If you go beyond the bridge which leads to the international airport at Mactan, Cebu City, you will see a collection of bamboo shacks by the side of the road. That’s where Jude used to live. His mother and father are still there, scraping by on a pittance. Jude is 19 and has 2 children. His story is the story of an adolescent who had to grow up too fast. But Jude loves his children and has taken seriously his responsibilities as head of a family. He had to leave school, and he enrolled with LP4Y. The allowance he receives is sufficient, but more to the point he is learning so much, in a short space of time – taking short cuts where he can! He no longer minds so much about his interrupted studies. With his open nature and his love of English, Jude yearns for a simple life. He hopes to get a job in a call center. A carefree young man by day, and a caring thoughtful father at home, his smile is no facade. 52
53
MAcMAc
mark a nthony datUin Without music there is no life» Mac Mac often declares “Without music there is no life”. Behind the shy smile of this talented young singer and guitar player lurks a philosopher. Mac Mac had to leave school very young, and he lives in one room with the 8 members of his family. But he does not let this define him. His ray of hope comes from his love of music which he inherited from his grandfather. And it’s a passion he has seized with both hands. His joy is the choir of Saint John’s Cebu City. Day after day Mac Mac learns to acknowledge his talents and grow in self-confidence. Now he needs to find work to give him further encouragement ... but not before playing a few more chords on the guitar. 54
55
56
57
JOhnSOn N.Moralde
It’s
hard
to
take
responsibi-
lity for one’s existence Johnson comes from a family of 11 children. One is his sisters died, one of the brothers is abroad, and the rest are scattered around the Philippines. Aged 23 he lives with his parents in Manila, and for 5 long years he did nothing; 5 long, empty years. Then his brother brought him along to the life Project Center in Quezon City, and that was the start of something. After the initial discovery week he was interviewed to determine his motivation and announced that he wanted to be a manager. It’s hard to commit to something after so much time wasted doing nothing, planning nothing, hoping nothing. But one year later and assisted by the other team members Johnson is gradually finding his feet. And it’s already time to move on! Johnson has been taken on by a company where he will learn how to maintain air conditioning units. 58
59
“When I arrived at LP4Y I was like bamboo in the wind, bending without resistance, not knowing which way to go. I didn’t have any sense of purpose and I had lost hope. Sometimes I would look out of the window and ask myself, I am really going to be like this forever? How can I offer a real future to my daughter? The coaches helped me put back together the missing pieces of my past. I gained confidence in myself and my abilities. Yes, that’s right; LP4Y gave me confidence. And
g i n A Ly n C.tabale
now I have a project. It’s clear to me and I will succeed. I want to become a secretary. The wind may blow in the bamboo, but this time it won’t bend and it won’t snap”. Gin began an internship a few weeks ago with an IT company. But it’s tough: 4 hours travel every day; whole days spent in front of a screen; and the pressures of those
“ T h e b a m b o o m a y b lo w in the wind, but it w i l l n o lo n g e r b e n d or snap”
60
around her. Beginnings are difficult. Gin has the benefit of the support of the Lp4Y team for the first 6 months, until a contract is signed. Will the bamboo stand the strain..?
61
AnA MARie R.greenough
Marie – stronger than a typhoon Marie lost her father when she was only 7. She is the oldest of 8 children and is used to taking charge of the 15 people with whom she shares her tiny one room dwelling in the slums. Marie wants to make serious plans for her future. She now has her ALS diploma (Alternative Learning System, allowing students to take the exams without going to school), without which paid work is almost impossible to find. Aged 20 and armed with her generous smile, nothing seems to shake her. She has confidence in her life and moves forward without hesitation, for the benefit of her baby and her husband, Roger. Marie laughs, works, plans. She knows that with a bit of determination the worst situations can be improved, and opportunities grasped. Marie could withstand a typhoon! 62
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nORMAn M.Bendula
A thirst fo r knowledge a nd independence that overcomes everything! If you are looking for Norman you will almost certainly find him with his nose in a book, in English ... or French. Norman was so keen to learn that at 15 he ignored his mother’s wishes and went to school. He was thrown out of the family home and found refuge with the school’s headmistress and at last began learning sign language. If you talk to Norman about his past you begin to understand how desperately miserable he was when there seemed to be no hope. Norman knows what he is talking about. If you ask Norman what he can do he will leap at the chance to show you his skills. He excels at practical things: painting, decorating, woodwork, gardening. At LP4Y Norman was transformed, displaying kindness, good nature, self confidence, belief in his future; all the qualities which we would all wish for ourselves. In a few days Norman will take up his first job as a trainee gardener. But one day he will go further and be his own boss. 64
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AL & RR Al
A.mindug
&
REANDRO
R.recto
When 2 amazing young men combine their efforts in search of success They were in the same program for several months, but nothing indicated they would ever be close. Al, reserved, polite and uncommunicative, was happy to accept the future his father planned for him, but knowing how chance was stacked against him he blamed himself. RR, charming, confident and extrovert, assumed he would have to fight to succeed. As his brothers had done. But he was stronger, and would do better than them. Then one day the chance to take an internship came up, and both accepted, not really knowing what was involved. They suffered each morning, and every night, from exhaustion, waning enthusiasm, the desire to give it all up. They wondered if this world they were experiencing was really a world for them. Together for 6 months they stood up to the challenge, worked out how they felt, adjusted their ways ... they fought together, bringing to bear their various skills and sharing the results, each encouraged by the presence of the other. And a few days ago RR came to see me. “Kuya John, I’ve got good news. Al and I are going to sign our permanent contracts!” They are so different, but together they succeeded. One is Muslim, the other Catholic, and each prayed that God would not let them down ... not now. Somewhere, someone was listening. 68
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pA u L A R t Dizon
PA wants to tell his story and pro ve he has reason to hope Age 11 – Paul Art gets involved in drug dealing Age 12 – Paul Art leaves school for good. He’s in 7th grade Age 13 – Paul Art is arrested and imprisoned for 5 years Age 18 – Paul Art is released from prison. His parents have separated so he goes to live with his aunt. He goes back to drugs. Age 21 – Paul Art is again imprisoned, and this time the judge gives him 20 years! A young social worker visits him and detects a ray of hope. He gets involved in the case and manages to get the sentence reduced. Nonetheless, 3 terrible years inside, and then he is released. Age 24 – Paul-Art joins LP4Y. He wants to change and make up for all the time wasted. There is so much to do. It is a challenging journey: everything has to be started from scratch; there is nothing to build on. Day after day Paul Art fights his exhausting battles. But we all know he will be victorious. A formidable force is born. Paul Art is an exceptional young man. 70
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THANK YOU The “Portraits” project comes directly from the Young people
Pola, Aurélie Caillot, Anne-Flore d’Arras, Isaure Delaporte,
of LIFE PROJECT 4 YOUTH FOUNDATION. They have ta-
Anne-Sophie Lize, Clara Fayard, Coco Grooves,
ken control of their lives and are heading towards their own social and professional integration, but in addition they are
For studies and pedagogy: Marthe Mazade-Lecourbe,
beacons of hope for all young people. It is thanks to them
Céline Racine, Pauline de Valence,
that this book has been produced, as well as the exhibition
For activity development: Valentine Lesaffre, Victoire Mac
and the videos you can find on www.lp4y.tv
Garry, For translations into English:
But none of this would have been possible without the
Vanessa Wright, Frances Valadji,
talent, generosity and perseverance of 2 young photographers who criss-crossed the Philippines over a period of
For the development of new projects:
6 months to go and meet the Young people at the 5 LP4Y
Maeva Moreau, Aude Perrot, François-xavier & Alice Ollivry
Centers: Magali Hernandez and Melanie Rey, and for the
And also to all those planning to join LP4Y in Asia.
book, the artistic director Chantal Guyot. Someone to whom we owe an enormous debt of gratitude We also thank the many volunteers of LIFE PROJECT 4
for the launch of the first pilot Life Project Centers in the
YOUTH who have worked with us for a period of months
Philippines: Jean-Baptiste Prache,
or years, so contributing to the realization of this dream: To the 300 active members of LP4Y in Asia, Europe and The Life Project Center coaches in the Philippines
America,
In Quezon: Grégoire Danel, Aude Couturier,
To the companies, organizations and foundations which
In Vitas, Tondo: Natalie Kean, Thiphaine Gouraud, Agnès
give us their support year after year,
Milhome, Théresa Czernin,
To the 40 administrators at the 5 LP4Y offices, their Presi-
In Paranaque: Hélène Vanacker, Juliette Brossard, Marie
dents and Vice-Presidents, without whom LIFE PROJECT 4
Prache, Lucie Taurines, Marion Bergeret, Bridget Horan,
YOUTH would never have existed,
In Cebu: Lucas Schmitt, Solène Lefort, Julie Floch, Elisabeth Okecki, Laure-Hélène Milhome,
Thanks lastly to our 5 children, our daily inspiration, and
In Iligan: Estelle Klumper, Aymeric & Colombe de Vachon,
to our 2 co-founders, Thierry Delaporte and Jean-Marie
Our “flying” coach: Eric de Poncins,
Demeure, the most enthusiastic partners imaginable.
And the partners of those centers. The assistants: Constance Delaporte, Mathilde Swarts, Emilie Schumacher, Pauline de Maredsous, Victor Gaere-
Jean-Marc & Laure Delaporte
mynck, Elsa Becart, Louis Bertrand, Emmanuelle Boggio-
Manila – February 2013 73
LP4Y’s PEdAgOgiCAL PROJECT
A
t the origin of LP4Y lies a general observation
Below we have detailed LP4Y’s basic pedagogical prin-
(1) regarding the catastrophic circumstances
ciples, which we would like to make as widely known
facing the increasing number of excluded
as possible. To this end LP4Y founded Youth 4 Change
The pedagogical route of each Young person is made up
hope to dozens of Young people. Tomorrow they will be
Young people in the world, and a field study
(http://www.youth4c.net), an international platform for
as follows:
the powder that ignites the new progress we need so much
(2) carried out over the course of a year, focusing on Young
the exchange of solutions to the problem of social and pro-
people living in the streets, and examining realistic solu-
fessional insertion of Young people at risk.
tions for their social and professional insertion.
of a team which works to determine the best practices.
Together, day after day, the LP4Y teams, their partners in the field and the communities of which they are a part, give
in the world. Without you, nothing would be possible. •
4 successive stages as they integrate, moving on
when ready (independence, responsibility, management, LP4Y Pedagogical Principles
entrepreneurship)
referencing information drawn from various publications
- All excluded Young people living below the poverty thres-
•
by major international organizations, indicated that there
hold are unconditionally welcome in the LP4Y centers.
ject) which punctuate each week giving a time table that is
(1) The first report* produced by Life Project 4 Youth,
are currently 550 million Young people living below the
CO N TI N UE WO R K I N G W IT H T H EM !
the same each week. This regularity is important in helping
poverty threshold ($2/day), and that within 12 years that
- The Young people have to make their own decision to join
number will have reached 1 billion! 90% of those Young
an LP4Y program for 9 to 18 months, depending on the
people live in developing countries.
time necessary to achieve insertion.
*Can be downloaded from http://www.lp4y.org
the Young people give structure to their time. - At the end of the first week the Young people receive a weekly allowance equivalent to twice the poverty thres-
- The Young people work in teams of roughly 15, with
hold. They learn to manage their funds, taking responsibi-
(2) We met Young people surviving in the city streets of
others who have experienced comparable suffering and
lity for supplying their basic needs. They live in the center,
To know more, email
23 different countries around the world, and recognized
exclusion. This facilitates the integration of each individual.
if they so wish, and are required to declare their allowance
info@lp4y.org
in them many of the same qualities that make an entre-
to social security.
preneur. All that was needed was the right environment
- Each group is attached to a program, a micro-economic
in which they might develop their skills and thus join the
initiative for which they are responsible. The creation and
- The language in the Life Project Centers is English; as the
working population ...
management of a business is key to the development of
international language of business English will give these
these Young people. Each Life Project Center is home to
Young people an advantage when they start applying for
one or more such programs.
work, as well as increasing their self-confidence. After the
Inspired by these observations the founders of LP4Y decided to launch 5 pilot centers for social and professional inser-
74
3 pillars of development (work, school, life pro-
first three months spectacular progress can be observed.
tion. They chose the Philippines as the base for activities in
- A coach with business and coaching experience is
Having a new shared language unites the team, and keeps
Asia. The 27 Young people who have generously agreed to
assigned to each program. The coach is a volunteer
things calm (they are less likely to know the undesirable
appear in this book have all come from these centers.
who will spend 1-2 years in this position, and is part
words in English!) 75