Jessica’s Table and Livelihood projectsThe longest running project of Jessica’s Table is in Malis, Philippines. When the program first began, Jessica’s Table was able to feed and educate 150 children twice per week. Now, in 2011, the number of children impacted by the program has risen to 300. Jessica’s table is being led solely by local youths and leaders. It has expanded to both Upper Javier and Bicol, feeding over 300 children at each location.
Every Saturday morning the food is cooked and brought to Malis, the drive is 15 minutes and huge pots are carried to the current facility. Together in Hope is looking to buy a lot, and build a church and community center for this community. The community center will facilitate the feeding program and livelihood programs for the adults along with other educational programs. If you would like to contribute to the purchase of this plot, please visit our get involved page.
Together in Hope has contributed to the construction of an extension of the local church in Upper Javier.This church is being used to facilitate livelihood projects, beginning with a sewing program, for the women in the community. In the last year, 9 industrial-sized sewing machines have been bought to facilitate this program. This year, Together in Hope aims to establish an ecology program and a literacy program for the adults of this community.
In April 2011, Jessica’s Table was launched in Naga City, Bicol. The program is assisting with an outreach program in a community of approximately 60 families that squat here. Malnutrition, sanitation, and a lack of educational opportunities are major challenges for this community. Jessica’s Table will feed and give basic educational support to a growing group of 50 children in this locality on a weekly basis. A livelihood project has also been launched this year. This sewing program will empower the women of the community and help them develop an economic base to sustain their families.
Meet Jenny and Rose – these are two 19 year old women who want to be teachers. Their greatest obstacle is that they are from a marginalized area and cannot afford to go to a university.
These young women came up with the idea for Strings of Hope. They bought materials and began making their own jewelry. They sell their products in local churches and at church events. Every cent made from these sales goes directly towards their education. Together in Hope is helping train these young women in business development and also with selling their products.
If you would like to learn more about how you can get involved in supporting the work of Together in Hope in the Philippines, please visit our Get involved page.
