Rizaldo Mendoza joined Goducate’s livelihood program in May 2013, working at the Goducate Livelihood Center in Bay, Laguna, as a tailor. When the livelihood center had to close in April this year to save on rent, Mr Mendoza decided to rent a place for his tailoring business in the neighboring town of Los Banos at PhP 2500 a month. He started business there with 3 of the high-speed sewing machines and one edging machine from the Goducate Livelihood Center, and with 2 of the people he had trained at the center.
His business in Los Banos soon grew to the extent that he had to hire another 3 of his previous trainees, and his team worked shifts on the 3 sewing machines.
Here he explains in this own words how he joined Goducate’s program and how he progressed:
“There is no such a hard decision to make for a father than to leave your family and work Abroad to make a living. Rearing 5 children as a tailor in Philippines is very hard and the only way I know is to work Abroad ( This is what I use to believe ), but it change when Goducate livelihood on sewing came.
“I Work as Tailor in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 9 years since 2004- 2013, all those year only thrice that I was able to be back home. I missed most of the important event in the family like birthday’s and anniversaries including my children’s elementary and high school graduation. Every time came home i am just wishing not to leave yet seeing the need of my family I just have to, especially when my third son Christian was diagnosed of brain tumor 2006.
“When I’m home May 2013, I was decided not to leave seeing My Son’s worst condition, Looking for a job, I was then given a chance to work at the Goducate’s sewing project. I am so happy because I am now fulfilling my dream to manage a shop on my own which I also involve my family [2 of his sons help in the business but do the sewing at home on 2 machines].However, sadly Christian died in July 2014.
“I am very thankful to Goducate Livelihood program and Scholarship Program through which I am able to send my 4th and 5th son to college that which i am not able to do on my other two older children even I am working in Saudi.
“Not only i am able to sustain my family and the school allowance of my two college children, In addition I was able to buy a second hand motorbike for ( PhP25,000) after securing a big contract to sew uniforms for a private school last year.
“My dream of having a shop comes into reality and a bonus ( motorbike).”
Mr Mendoza’s monthly income is now equivalent to what he was getting when in Saudi Arabia, and he gives a fifth of it to Goducate towards a fund for more machines. His helpers are earning what is the average wage for the area. The business is doing so well that Mr Mendoza is looking for a bigger place to accomodate 5 high-speed sewing machines that can be used round the clock.
Mr Mendoza is an example of what Goducate would like in a beneficiary—one willing to pass on his or her skills and willing to help others when he or she has made good.
