By Nigel Sampson | HANDS AROUND THE WORLD Project Co-ordinator
Some long time friends of HATW recently visited Paluoc training workshop. For this update I have included some extracts from their feedback;
“Our reunion with Paul was lovely – he was as we remembered him, quiet, sincere, knowledgeable. He is very committed to his training programme, his workshop and more especially, his trainees. He was pleased to show us around, to explain his policy and plans, to introduce the trainees and even teach Jeff a carpentry technique that was new to him!”
“There are currently 10 students on role; Bonaventure, Steven J, Kennedy, Maureen, Jacqueline, Walter, Charles, Steven, Daniel, Caleb…… Jacqueline has a child and is expecting another and in consequence is rather an unreliable student. Maureen, Jacqueline and Walter are entered for this year’s exams”
“Daniel and Steven J, who are orphans are living on site and are proving to be very responsible caretakers”
“Bonaventure has been at the centre 4 years and lives locally – he is very trustworthy and now acting as Paul’s assistant.”
“Paul gives the trainees dinner money on a daily basis as he finds this ensures they are fed, don’t take too long for lunch and use the money for it’s intended purpose!”
“All the hand tools are sharpened personally by Paul as he doesn’t want the students working with second grade tools. They have a well thought out security system whereby the students have all made their own tool boxes which live in one of three secure cupboards - once unlocked the students are responsible for the good order of their tool kit. Each student takes it in turns to be responsible for the workshop for a day – tidiness, security etc – but they seem reluctant to take this on!”
I hope that these extracts give a flavour of the workshop. Paul sets high standards and is giving these youngsters a good opportunity to gain experience and skills that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives. They continue to need a bit of support but are slowly working towards self-sufficiency.
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