Fifty six residents of Nayon ng Kabataan (NK) graduated from their skills training courses in baking, beauty care, basic sewing, dress making, hair dressing, carpentry, Information Communication and Technology (ICT), which carried the theme “Be faithful, Be responsible, Be truthful in fulfilling your dreams,” held in Mandaluyong City on July 16, 2015.
Jhomar Dolong, one of the graduates, moved everyone with his heart-warming speech, “Kung anuman ang nakaraan natin, huwag na nating balikan. Tulad ko na isang street child, nakipagsapalaran sa kalsada, tambay, akala ko hanggang doon na lang ako. Nang mapunta ako dito sa Nayon ng Kabataan, nagbago ang lahat. Nakilala ko ang Panginoon. Kaya dapat lahat ng mga problema natin, ipag-pray lang natin.. isuko natin sa Kanya, at maniwala tayo na magiging ayos din ang lahat.”
Jhomar and his family were reunited on his graduation day. His parents, Jun and Marilou, were very proud of his achievement. They said that Jomar’s life was changed from the time he was brought to the Nayon ng Kabataan.
“Sa mga magulang ko, patawad po kung sa nakaraan ko ay hindi ako naging magandang ehemplo sa mga kabataan, kaya nagsusumikap ako ngayon para maipagmalaki niyo na ako bilang anak ninyo,”
Moreover, DSWD-NCR Regional Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan commended the hard work and aspiration of the graduates in enhancing their skills and pursuing their dreams to have a brighter future.
“Pinupuri namin kayo sa tagumpay na inyong nakamit. Ito ang simula ng pagbabago ng inyong buhay. Maari kayong magkaroon ng mataas na posisyon sa isang kompanya, o di kaya maging may-ari ng sarili ninyong negosyo gamit ang inyong natamong kaalaman at kakayahan. Anuman ang inyong tahakin sa pagtamo ng inyong pangarap, hangad namin ang inyong magandang kinabukasan.”
Bonoan also recognized people who have been significant in the lives of these residents especially the Lions Street Children Foundation Inc. (LSCFI) who continuously supported the Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) in providing social protection services to children at risk and in need. The foundation also celebrated its 15th anniversary at the center. It may be recalled that the LSCFI put up one of the Nayon ng Kabataan building in 2005.
Meanwhile, 16 residents graduated in Baking, 7 in Basic Sewing, five in Beauty Care, and 7 in Information, Computer and Technology courses. Also, there were 4 graduates in Dressmaking, 8 in Hairdressing, and 5 in Carpentry who were awarded a National Certificate II (NC II) from the Technological Educational and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). These certificates are recognized internationally which gives them a chance to work abroad in the future, however; they were encouraged to serve in the country first.
Nayon ng Kabataan is a residential care facility for abused, orphaned, abandoned, neglected and exploited children ages 7-17 years old both male and female.###