Transitions

Instead of posting a rundown of what we did today since a lot of it you have already heard about most of the activities we were involved in (Feeding Program, painting, hanging out at the boys and girls houses, medical clinic), we are going to post a few blogs over the next day that focus on more specific topics. Up first, the transition program at Maison de Lumiere.

Since Maison de Lumiere has only been in existence since 2004 they are just now experiencing the first wave of young adults who are getting ready to live life outside and pursue their long-term goals. The Manassero's and the other staff here have thought carefully about how to provide the right kind of training and education to help these kids succeed in life and achieve their dreams.

Once a kid is reaching the stage where they will be transitioning out of Maison de Lumiere, they are put into what is called the 'Transition Program." They move out of the house with the rest of the other kids and into another house where they have their own room and more independence. Some of the key elements fundamental to this transition include learning English (they are taught English starting the day they go to school for the first time), teaching a trade or skill that the kids can make their own business out of after leaving, training in managing finances, basic life skills like cooking, doing laundry, etc. and a practical education about how the world works and what to expect when they enter it outside of the protection of Maison de Lumiere.

This week we have been able to support this program in two ways. First, due to the amazing generosity of those who have supported this team financially we were able to donate tools for use in training the kids in the transition program skills in woodworking/furniture making. Second, one member of our team, Rob Crandall, has been working very closely with this program all week lending his skills and teaching ability. This means Rob has been spending a lot of time away from the team and the activities we've blogged about over the past couple of days. So, today some of us went to visit him and check out the program. Below are a few photos of Rob and some of the skills that are being taught in the program.

Rob hard at work. He has been COVERED in sawdust basically since we arrived!

Emmanuel (one of the young men in the program) - Rob has been working with him all week.

Rob and Emmanuel.

Silk screening is another trade that is taught in the program. The kids make shirts and canvass bags which are sold in the guest house gift shop - the proceeds go back into materials, to pay the kids and into a savings account for the kids to take with them when they leave Maison de Lumiere. 

Junior organizing the finished product!

In addition to woodworking and silk screening, the kids can also learn sewing and jewelry making (the girls make the coolest necklaces out of cereal boxes, seriously). They also work with the kids who want to pursue college and careers in fields such as nursing, teaching or ministry. It has been impressive to see the thought and resources invested in giving these kids every chance at success and independence in life.