Working Hands

Daryl and Sharon Germaine
Gary and Melita Root

Staff: Rowell Arnaldo, Chito Belmonte, Renato Matienzo, Alex Valenzuela, Rogel Fullon, and Peter Mark Demasuay

WHAT IS WORKING HANDS?

Working Hands is an 8-10 month Vocational and Discipleship program designed to help young men from the streets of Manila or from very poor communities. Working Hands helps integrate them into society and life by giving them a vocation that is competitive in the real world along with intense training in practical Christian living. The aim of the ministry is to glorify God and train young men to be productive members of society, to work hard with integrity, and to be good husbands and fathers who will lead their children in the truth. Working Hands is a ministry of Action International which focus’s on reaching street children and others from poor communities. ACTION seeks to free people trapped in poverty and to bring hope of new life spiritually through faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Working Hands school was established in 1991 and has graduated over 350 students who are now working in the Philippines and overseas. Many who were very poor are now working steadily, married with children, and serving their church and community. Working Hands has a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine government agency called TESDA - (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority). This agency is in charge of vocational training in the Philippines.

THE VISION

Many years ago during a prayer meeting in Manila, a pastor brought before the Lord his burden to see further ministry take place for street children who attended our camps. He asked God to help us "go the second mile" with these kids. This led to the establishment of Second Mile Discipleship and Vocational Training Center in Manila in early 1970. The Second Mile facility relocated to a campus 35 miles south of Manila. It was built in the early 1980s for vocational training. In 1991, the Working Hands Discipleship and Vocational School began training young Christian men in discipleship and auto mechanics. Students, ranging in age from 18-25, who pass tests in mechanical aptitude, simple mathematics, and spiritual awareness, are accepted. They are recruited from other ACTION ministries that work with the poor, Christian organizations, and local evangelical churches. The courses typically run from 8-10 month. Our vision for the future is to add more vocational courses for men and to offer a similar program for women. The first women's program to be added is Mustard Seed, teaching sewing skills.

THE PROCESS

Theory is taught in the classroom each morning by a qualified, missionary or staff instructor. Theory is then put into practical application in the shop every afternoon. Hands-on experience is applied. Team work is encouraged as a part of building good work habits. When the young men and women have completed the program, they are equipped to work as well as be spiritual leaders in their homes, churches and communities. Discipleship includes more than spiritual training. Our staff shares with students as they prepare meals together.

LEARNING LIFE SKILLS

Marketing is also a vital part of learning to handle their future income and providing for their family's physical needs. The students are taught gardening and other livelihood skills. Each day begins with physical exercise and conditioning. Bible study and devotionals are the foundation of our discipleship program. Short term missionaries can assist in this process.

WORKING HANDS OJT (ON THE JOB TRAINING) PROGRAM

After graduation, Working Hands offers students a 6 month OJT (on the Job training) program. Though Staff and Missionaries may recommend, suggest or help find places of employment for the graduates, the onus is on them to find a place that is willing to give them further training. How does this work? Basically, ACTION will pay each graduate 100pesos($2 USD) per day for up to 6 months provided they are receiving on-going vocational training as an employee of a company or business. This helps the student get his “foot in the door” and get real work experience with little “risk” for the employer and much to gain by both. Most employers that take our students do pay for commuting or cunch to help supplement the 100pesos per day but that is optional for the employer and depends on the mutual arrangement between him and the student. Each week the graduate will fill out a form giving the hours he worked and have it signed by his employer along with any comments they may wish to write concerning his performance. The student will bring this form to Second mile, Silang, Cavite, to be reimbursed. Following 6 months of OJT, the student is entitled to a tool box filled with appropriate tools for his vocation (this is given by Working Hands). The program has proved very successful and has helped many young men get a solid footing in the world of work.