LD students preparing for mock interviews
LEARN & dEVELOPMENT SKILL TRAINING PROGRAM (LD)
The Welcome Home Learn & Development Skill Training Program (LD) is the newest offering in the WHFI educational catalogue. LD is a post-high school collegiate and vocational preparatory program for deaf students between 16 and 29 years old. In addition to regular audiological tests and pro bono hearing aid assistance, the foundation provides the following:
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This 10 month program allows young adults to gain skills in a range of areas including cafes, gardens and farms.
Courses
English: vocabulary, comprehension, and usage
Sign Language: Filipino Sign Language vocabulary and grammar
Mathematics: fundamental arithmetic, logical reasoning, and basic bookkeeping
Agriculture: organic farming, vermiculture, aquaponics, outdoor carpentry, and agri-business
Technical: computer literacy, typing efficiency, information gathering, and design (in partnership with De La Salle University - College of St. Benilde)
Arts: print and digital illustration, craft making, and theatrical performance
Values Formation: catechism and ethics
Life Skills: healthy relationships, work ethics, financial literacy, and psychosocial skills
Wellness: physical education, nutrition, and healthy living
Summer extension programs include tutoring from College of St. Benilde volunteers in technological and language skills. Additionally, the graduating LD students facilitate an overnight camp where they teach various life skills to incoming LD students, reinforcing the mission of WHFI.
LD student Jericho dancing in the Paralympiada
COLLEGE PREPARATION
At Welcome Home, college is not just for the hearing population. Many students express an interest in higher education, to study a variety of subjects ranging from special education to office administration, culinary arts to religious studies.
Preparation for national entrance exams includes structured learning of Tagalog, English and arithmetic. Analytical reasoning and spatial thinking is developed through timed practice exams and close monitoring of individual results. WHFI also provides interpretative services during examinations, and also during college courses for the deaf that pursue higher education.
Employment and future pathways
Employability is the main goal for LD students, therefore vocational training is continuously developed. Customized on-the-job training (internships) are provided for our students, to be completed in no less than 320 hours.
An on-the-job trainee (intern) at Natural Garden Cafe, a non-profit training center
Bags handmade and painted by the Deaf as part of the Income Generating Project.
Furthermore, students are partnered with various organizations to gain further professional experience. This includes restaurants, hotels, schools, factories and farms in the Bacolod metropolitan area, In the past LD students have completed training offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Training has included Massage therapy and Electrical work. Finally, WHFI trains all students in a variety of income-generating projects, including handicrafts. Exposing their creativity and ability fosters self-confidence and self-reliance in a way that compliments traditional education models for the Deaf.
Employment Partnerships
Saravia Blue Crab, Inc. (whose workforce is now ~ 90% deaf)
Natural Garden Cafe
TESDA
Nature’s Village
McDonalds
V&W Bakery
L Fisher Hotel
Halong Restaurant, Makati City
Philippines Sports Commission
Mothers Touch Massage Centre
Landbank Cooperative
Local, individual partners