Five of the first batch of trainees who completed the Goducate training program for basketball officials did not have to wait long to get their first jobs. And the jobs were not for matches at village level (where they had done their training), but at inter-university level. This job opportunity for out-of-school youth arose with the 10-day visit of the Indonesian Youth Team from West Java to play against eight colleges and universities in The Philippines.
The three serving as referees earned PHP300 ($ 7) each per game, and the two who were table officials received PHP200 ($4.70) each. PHP 300 is considered the daily minimum wage at provincial level. For these boys, the sums represent a great deal. For instance, Jay-R, one of the referees, had to leave college 2 years ago because of financial difficulties. His income as referee is sufficient for his personal needs. Erwin, who was unable to complete high school, became a trouble-maker in his family, but now is a trained table official.
Apart from the thrill of landing their first jobs, the boys had another memorable experience—their 10-day stay in a hotel was the first time they had slept in an air-conditioned room.
Our basketball training program is now being introduced in other villages. We hope that through it many out-of-school youth will be able to get back to schools or colleges through sports scholarships, or to be able to earn a living.