Training centre and workshop in Banyualit

In June, APA Foundation purchased a plot of land for a training centre and workshop for young people with a handicap. The land is alongside the Stichting High5rehab clinic. The aim is to put young people in a position to earn their own income, first by following a training course and then employment, if necessary in an adapted working environment. APA Foundation was set up to support and assist young people with a handicap, so that they have the opportunity to explore their abilities and make their dreams come true. Such a plan can only succeed, however, if continuity can be guaranteed and the fact that the Dutch volunteers of APA Foundation are only on site for a couple of months a year was an insurmountable obstacle. After years of co-operation and many discussions with Marieke de Wit of Stichting High5rehab there suddenly seemed to be a realistic possibility in early 2007 to start such a project. High5rehab had purchased some adjoining land to expand the clinic with an instrument workshop and a room where the children could learn a range of skills during their therapy or after treatment. This met the need identified by APA Foundation for a work and training centre for young people with a handicap. Marieke de Wit is prepared to take on the supervision of such a centre provided it is next to the facilities of Stichting High5rehab. Co-operation between the two foundations means that children could move from one social workshop to the other as their age and capabilities allow.

The plan is that young people can learn a range of skills and follow vocational training at the centre. They will also be offered basic skills so that they can then move to training courses with other aid organisations or normal education. To start with, carpentry and sewing workshops will be set up where apart from mastering manual skills, the emphasis will be on other relevant practical experience and know-how, so that they are prepared to take part successfully in paid work. In other words, they develop a feeling for products they can best offer on the market and how to manage an income. The range of subjects will be expanded at a later stage to include computer courses and art, for example painting. In the longer-term, consideration will be given to building a larger carpentry shop in a suitable location where handicapped people could be employed and where real manufacturing could take place, so that they learn how to run a self-supporting business. APA Foundation of course promises in every case to operate responsibly with a view to the environment and health and fair working conditions.

Requests are already being received from organisations and small businesses who want to place orders with the workshop in the future. These are very welcome as demand for specific products will shape the planning of the courses to be offered and the layout and use of space.

The plan is also to build units at the training centre where young people can stay or live for various periods. This will allow young people who live some distance away to follow a training course or suchlike. In consultation, these units could also be used, for example by families visiting Stichting High5rehab with their children.