A fundamental part of Alalay’s work revolves around encouraging the children whom they support to be self-sufficient : (adjective) 1. needing no outside help in satisfying one’s basic needs […] 2. emotionally and intellectually independent.
From a young age the kids are taught to be kind and considerate to others, but also gently encouraged to learn to look after themselves – washing their own clothes, looking after their own belongings, tidying their bedrooms, and keeping on top of school work. Skills that are not learnt on the streets.
As an organisation, Alalay tries really hard to provide a positive example to the kids and be self-sufficient too, thus why many of Friends of Alalay’s supported projects often focus on this area. Over the past twelve months, amongst many other projects, we have helped to finance the work of a farmworker and on-site carpenter. The carpenter is able to teach the children basic carpentry skills, carry out all on-site repairs and woodwork, and then design and make a great variety of items to order. These are sold and invested back into Alalay to improve the future prospects of our children.
And we are supporting a further eight boys through vocational training courses (soon to be joined by five of our oldest girls) – studying to be chefs, nurses, beauticians, mechanics and hairdressers. With Alalay’s help these children will also have a self-sufficient future – being financially, emotionally and intellectually independent, and valuable members of society.
