Spreading the sunshine

MANILA, Philippines - Recently, a group of students from the University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland Australia came and delivered hairdressing, sewing and English language training at the Kuya Center for Street Children.

Three students, one lecturer and a qualified hairdresser, teacher and seamstress were there for five days and helped train over 20 people in skills that will help them set up their own livelihood businesses.

Bernie Craven from Aussie Hair Guru donated his time and felt that the whole experience was valuable for both him and the participants. Craven was able to secure donations of scissors, capes, spray bottles, and other hairdressing supplies from Australian businesses for the event.   

These resources will be used to further the training and setting up of other hairdressing training centers in the poorer parts of Manila in conjunction with the Kuya Center.

This is the second time the training has been organized and run by the Enactus University of the Sunshine Coast team. Lecturer Selina Tomasich leads the group of students, who are committed to building communities and changing lives through entrepreneurial projects like this. 

“Last year we set up a sewing training project, and over 17 families were trained in sewing bags, shorts, cases and mobile phone covers,” Tomasich said. “We were honored to have Diane O’Regan come both years and this year Diane did advanced sewing skills.”

As well as hairdressing and sewing, training in English language was also held by Kristy Stevens, a qualified teacher from Australia.

“The children of the Kuya Center were so excited to join in fun learning activities that really improved their English skills,” Stevens said.  It wasn’t just the children that benefited; the social workers and education coordinator of the Kuya Center said that the training will help in the planning and coordinating of English skill lessons for the children. 

During the event, students from St. Paul University Quezon City also came and were trained in hairdressing, sewing and English. A relationship between St. Paul University and the Kuya Center will enable more volunteer helpers because the students of St. Paul are committed to working in the community to benefit others less fortunate. 

Nimfa de Vera stated that she was very motivated to have the students work on a volunteer basis to continue the work of the University of the Sunshine Coast Enactus team. 

“This is wonderful news for us, as we want this project to be sustainable, and by having local community members engaged with the Kuya Center, this will ensure the work we started will continue,” said Catherine Kitney, project leader for the University of the Sunshine Coast Enactus team. “Our goal is to reach out, make a difference, and have projects that are appreciated.”

Students from the Enactus University of the Sunshine Coast team are committed to providing ongoing support to the Kuya Center. In 2014, they will assist the Kuya Center in providing micro finance service to street mothers.