Back to school via social enterprise

CEBU, Philippines - "From the time I came here, I was hopeless. Not really expecting that I'll be part of it. As I started doing my responsibilities here, I was curious if I'm doing it the right way. I was very blessed when I became part of this family. I learned how to stand on my own. I learned that life is full of colors. I learned that success is in our hands. The most important thing I ever received when I came here, I became closer to God. Life is really full of reasons. We just have to get new perspective in viewing things around us. When this thing was being introduced to me, I knew that there is something God wants me to have. This is the place where I felt the importance of family. This is the place where I felt 101 percent accepted. This is the place where I received lots of appreciation and correction. This is the place where I feel very comfortable. And I knew that this is also the place where God wants me to be in. I was born in this world not perfect and I believe everyone too. There is this person who always encouraged us to be true to ourselves. She has been not only our mentor but also our protector. One time I asked God what did I do to receive a blessing this great. And suddenly I just realized that I came here with purpose. Someday I know that I will be doing something this great to my family and to others. And I know that these persons who are behind us also have their own purpose. God showed me how beautiful our life is that we must always be thankful for it. Thank you Urban Kamalig family. Thank you God for this wonderful opportunity."

So reads the journal of 19-year-old Marlinda Patindol, one of 16 beneficiaries of an empowerment program (a continuing enabling and equipping workshop series for out-of-school youth). Urban Kamalig, along Morales Street in Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City, is a social enterprise established by the Alipe family to empower the OSY. It is not just about food delivery service, but about transforming lives as well!

Marlinda finished high school after having been ushered to the SOS Children's Village in Talamban, by her father, together with her other three siblings. "My father could not afford to send us to school. So he took us to the SOS, while our youngest was taken by my mother when my parents separated. I was about four years old then," she shared.

It was one of the SOS staff who knew of Urban Kamalig's advocacy to empower the youth, so Marlinda submitted to a screening. Prior to that, she was able to go to college for a while, taking up Education, but stopped along the way because of financial constraints. Today, at Urban Kamalig, she earns minimum wage as a delivery service associate. Through this, she is able to pay bills for a small room she's renting. She attends to her job for four hours and the rest of the 'regular hours' are spent in a 3pm-to-6pm empowerment session.

Sharing in her journey are Jeremiah Ybañez, Karen Bonsucan, and Francis Ortiz.

Francis, 19, disclosed that after his father passed away, he was left to the care of his uncle. "It was my uncle who took me and my elder sisters to the SOS so we can go to school. I was still seven years old. All these years, I've never seen my mother. I long to see her again as I know she's still alive," he revealed. He has not yet enrolled in college and until now could not decide what to pursue. "I really don't have any idea yet," he said.

Says Urban Kamalig managing director for HRD and Empowerment Lollette Oliva-Alipe, this is where career guidance comes in. "You have to show them their strength first, where they're most passionate, to help them decide. This can be achieved through a career symposium and an aptitude test," she pointed out.

As for 18-year-old Karen who excels in Math, she was able to avail of a scholarship in a private high school in Lahug but was dropped from the list when she failed to maintain the required average grade. "That was when for a long time I did not report to school. I am the sixth of nine children and family problems distracted me from my studies. I was bothered by the thought that my father - despite being a production manager at work - told my elder brother and sister they have to quit college kay dili na makaya ang gasto," an emotional Karen shared.

She eyes a degree in Accountancy because of her adeptness in numbers. She is one of 16 waiting for the right sponsor. Right now, she is preoccupied with honing her skills as a cashier.

Jeremiah, 19, took up Information Technology. "But I had to stop. I don't have a father to support me. He abandoned us. He has a new family, kadto iyang gisuportahan. I was at home since, and my mother started nagging me about getting a job, about standing on my own."

At Urban Kamalig, a new hope dawns on him. While the employment and empowerment program was ongoing, he was able to finally discern he is more interested in the Culinary Arts. He gains exposure at the kitchen as a delivery packer just like Francis.

A certain Jery Boy, the one who had an inclination for the visual arts, could have been a fifth interesting interviewee. But he was gunned down last year. Reports had it that the moment Jery Boy stepped out of high school, he was allegedly hired by a group to peddle illegal substance. The moment he joined empowerment sessions at Urban Kamalig, he refused anymore involvement, so he got the ire of the group leader. His body bore the phrase "Insane Level." After an investigation, it was found out such is related to an online role-playing game. So it gave the authorities the lead that a group of online gamers could have been behind the crime.

"That's what we would like to change. To prevent their past from catching with them," Ms. Lollette stressed.

The program provides sessions not only on basic grammar and vocabulary building, but more on values formation. "We believe that every person is created by God in His image and likeness, and therefore has the potential for greatness and goodness," she underlined.

Should the cravings go beyond the physical hunger pangs, Urban Kamalig would be most delighted if you could inquire how to be a sponsor: (032) 2380277. (With additional photos by Rain V. Lazala)