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| The Graduates with their Trainer, Sr. Liza, SSJ |
It was during the first 14 days of lockdown when most of
our hostel residents, like other workers, were advised to stay back home to
avoid the spread of COVID 19. While on self-quarantine after travelling from
the Philippines, Sr. Yolanda Pugal, SSJ, the Sister-in-Charge, was watching how
the ladies were spending their days of just being inside the hostel premises.
The thought of coming up with something worthwhile and productive led her to
ask Sr. Liza Celestial, SSJ, the ASAC Skills Training Center
Coordinator-Trainer, from a distance, to hold training classes at the hostel.
It was training in sewing that the ladies wanted to have
because they have been dreaming to make their own meri blouse. The Basic Course
in Sewing Meri Blouse was completed after two full weeks, which fitted within
the lockdown period.
Those who participated dedicated themselves to learning the
basics of sewing, including measurements and drafting of their own pattern.
They encouraged one another when they saw how their companions progressed in
learning the skill and their project taking its shape. After finishing one meri
blouse, there were those who sew more in order to master the skill with
creativity and precision.
They organized a training
for the residents on the Basic Course in Sewing Meri Blouse which most of them
has been dreaming of sewing it for themselves.
In order to have a closure of the program and celebrate
their learning, a simple graduation ceremony was held at the hostel among
themselves. This was a moment to share their experiences and affirm themselves
and each other. For some, it was their first time to run the machine and tried
so hard just to learn. Patience, love,
prayer harmonized with work and persistence are the prevailing virtues that
they had put into practice during the training.
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| A graduate leading the opening prayer |
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| Sr. Liza, SSJ welcoming the graduates |
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| The Graduates in full attention |
The most interesting is that they were happy to wear the
meri blouse they have done as young women of Papua New Guinea. They also
remembered and appreciated those who are making meri blouses to earn for a
living.
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| a Graduate sharing her learnings/experiences |
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| a Graduate sharing her learnings/experiences |
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| a Graduate sharing her learnings/experiences |
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| Sr. Ived (also joined the sewing class) sharing her learnings and experiences |
Realizing that something good can come out from the lockdown period being out of work, they were grateful for this opportunity given to them to learn and be empowered by the Siervas de San Jose whose Founders, St. Bonifacia and Fr. Francisco Butinya, SJ, gave a special attention to the promotion and evangelization of young women and women workers.
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| Words of inspiration and encouragement from Sr. Yoly, SSJ |
In the same manner that the SSJ shared the Gift they
received for the Church and for the socially and economically challenged working world, those
who graduated are ready and confident to teach other hostel residents how to
sew, not only meri blouse but also face masks as a part of our response to
support the campaign to stop the spread of COVID 19.
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| Merienda (cooked by the sisters) after the Graduation Rite |
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| Sr. Cecilia, SSJ leading the dance entertainment |
This is our message of hope that for those who trust in
the Lord, love abounds. It is by loving and appreciating who we are that we
discover, develop and share the God-given talents for the good of all.
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