ERFA’s International Programs Manager (Sabine Evans) and Regional Manager Africa (Richard Patris Okoth) had the opportunity to visit our partner project in Cebu at the beginning of August. They were able to take a deep dive into the Cebu families education for enhanced livelihood (FEEL) project.
This wonderful project is implemented by Edmund Rice Ministries Foundation Philippines (ERMFP) and works alongside 75 families living in an old cemetery and on the street sidewalks near the port of Cebu.
The families are amongst the poorest communities earning below minimum wage and with very limited opportunities. Through Cebu FEEL, participants learn financial skills as well as basic business management and enterprise development skills.
Once trained, they have access to a small seed fund managed by a local cooperative giving them access to financial services so they can plan, open and operate small businesses.
Sabine and Richard were able to visit both project communities and attend one of the trainings, both of which highlighted the commitment and motivation of the participants, as well as the strong relationship and friendly atmosphere the local ERMFPI team has built with all stakeholders.
The Cebu FEEL project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and by ERFA.