Canadian Intern Develops Mother’s Co-op

by Helena Claire Arong
VFV Center Coordinator

Kelly Whitty, a 23 year old volunteer from Montreal, Canada, is a graduate of BA Political Science and Western Society & Culture. She was an intern of Horizon Cosmopolite, one of the partner companies of VFV. Her internship program focused on Commercialization and Marketing in the Philippines, with emphasis on the micro-financing status of the women's associations in Tacloban City. This internship program was funded by the Canadian Government.

Kelly had her program at the City Social Welfare and Department Office (CSWDO). During her first month, she had the chance to study the existing and inactive women's associations. From there, with the help of VFV, CSWDO and the barangay council, she began organizing a women's group in Bliss Housing Project - the Mother's Club. Kelly started with the mothers of the 12 sponsored kids. The mothers started with their parenting session as part of the social preparation with the help of the CSWDO. Aside from the parenting sessions, Kelly invited her home stay Mom to teach the mothers banana chips making, which they can serve as snack for the feeding sessions.

She also took the initiative in networking with other government agencies like the City Agriculture Office and the City Nutrition Office. Having been able to tap these

agencies, Kelly coordinated with the local council to conduct lectures on Nutrition, Urban Agriculture and Waste Management.

Kelly's effort has grown even after she left the Philippines. We now have 37 members of the Mothers' Club which came in 2 batches. And this club has started making their own livelihood projects with the assistance of VFV and CSWDO.