« La Sagesse » Centre – Philippines
Sr. Henedina Latayada, DW
It was a grace-filled year in the lives of the students with special needs at “La Sagesse Center” in Manila, Philippines. Our life was full of challenges and miracles for the teachers, staff, Sisters, parents and siblings of our students.
Yes, we are so blessed to find ourselves in “La Sagesse Center” where the finger of God is pouring all His blessings on the children with special needs and those whom He chose to collaborate in the mission entrusted to the Daughters of Wisdom. After five years working in our new location and building, the miracles continue.
Students from the self-contained program have learnt to cook, to do their laundry and can now provide this service to others to supplement their income.
Children with cerebral palsy have learnt to walk
Some of the students joined the local and the international sport’s competition (Special Olympics),
Two students successfully passed the Philippine Educational Placement Test: an accreditation and equivalency for regular school placement,
In record time, the Center itself has been officially recognized by the Department of Education with special needs, bringing hope to our students, to their family, to our society where shines a brighter future.
The Self-Contained Program is designed for students where life skills are taught such as cooking, laundry and housekeeping. This is the next level after the early intervention program. Many of the students are non-verbal so their skills are enhanced. The time frame of each student if taken successfully is about 3-4 years but considering their other physical conditions some students continue in the program for a longer time.
A humbling experience for our students in Alternative Education occurred in February 2016 during the evaluation of the Cooking Program. They cooked lunch for children in an orphanage and with joy they shared with them the true meaning of love, simplicity and communion. What a joy to see them!
Another experience revealed the love of our beneficiaries for our Mother Earth. Every September, a group of students with special needs join the community sweepers in cleaning the streets. There are many limiting beliefs about the burden brought about by persons with special needs and here they were witnessing to the transforming Word of God coming alive through them. Many undocumented miracles happen in the Center and now it is for you to discover and claim them. A heartfelt gratitude to all of you who allowed and will continue to allow Jesus Christ Wisdom to speak to your heart and through your heart.
