Shielamay Arroyo, 23 years old, is a graduate of the Independent Living Program. She started living inside the residential care shelter in Antipolo City, Rizal called First Love International Ministry back in 2015 until 2019 as a victim of Physical Abuse and Human Trafficking.
Shielamay recalled the first time she was transferred to the shelter, according to her, Shielamay was sad to leave the place she grew up in and live in an unfamiliar place. However, it made her feel at ease, and was able to relax because she felt she was safe.
Shielamay shared that during her stay inside the shelter, there are a lot of things changed in her, one of these is she learned how to express herself more, she learned how to interact with others again, and because of this, she learned how to be happy again and see a different light in her situation.
“Para sa akin, masasabi kong ang pagbabagong nangyari sa aking buhay ay isang pahiwatig ng onti-onti na pag galing mula sa madilim na nangyari sa aking nakaraan.”
She also shared how she realized that there are reasons why things happen to a person and that God moves differently in each individual’s life. This helped her be a good person, how to live harmoniously with other people, to be obedient, respectful, and be an honest person.
Shielamay mentioned that through the help of the Independent Living Program, she learned how to be prepared for the real world, she mentioned learning how to do house chores as part of her training under the program, which are; learning the importance of time, how to cook, Budgeting and money management, how to commute alone, basic household chores, Decision making, and finally how to manage a small business.
Shielamay said that by the help of ILP, the youth will learn how to stand on their own two feet, give value to themselves, interact with others, be smart in their decisions, and manage their own emotional and mental stability to face the challenges that life will throw.
“Para sa akin ito ang sandata ko sa susunod na hakbang ng aking buhay. Magagamit ko kahit saan man ako pumaroon lalo na sa mga pagkakataon na ako na lang mag-isa. Malaking tulong ito sapagkat hindi ko na kailangan iasa pa sa ibang tao o sa pamilya ko ang sarili ko dahil sa mga napulot kong aral sa loob ng orphanage. Natuto ako kung paano gumawa ng paraan para sa sarili ko at kung paano bigyan ng solusyon ang problema na dumating sakin.”
Sheilamay thinks that the government should give priority and attention to the Independent Living Program, the reason is simple, It is to help the youth who need it to never lose their path, to never be astray, and to lead to a righteous path. She said that it is important that there will be a provided program that will serve as a map for them.
Shielamay also suggested teaching the young how to start handling mini jobs or businesses that will teach them how to earn on their own, in preparation for being independent in the future such as; keychain making, and how to crochet to name a few.
As a graduate of the Independent Living Program, Shielamay recalled her past and reflected on how strong she has been, and how despite everything that has happened to her, she is still blessed because of how brave it made her.
“Sa murang edad na sinubok agad ng problema hanggang umabot sa edad na 23 masaya akong sabihin na isa akong matatag na tao upang malampasan ang lahat ng nangyari sa akin sa nakaraan. Hindi madali ngunit sa tulong ng mga taong nakapaligid sa akin, natutunan kong magtiwala kay Lord, sa sarili ko, at bigyan muli ng importansya ang sarili.”
“Kung noon ang selfish ko sa part na naitanong ko kay Lord kung bakit sa akin nangyari ang mga bagay na ‘yun? Ngayon nagpapasalamat ako na dahil kung hindi nangyari ang lahat ng ‘yun tiyak wala ako sa kinaroroonan ko ngayon. Naniniwala ako na lahat tayo ay dumaranas ng problema, maaring magkapareho ngunit sa magkaibang paraan.”
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