For the children in A Call to Mercy’s program, envisioning a bright future is a luxury they have not been afforded. Lacking the love and direction of one or both parents and living in poverty means survival is all they can hope for. A Call to Mercy is hoping to change that through the mentoring program with Project Hope. From what we have seen this visit, the mentoring is diverse and is going well. The mentorships are 1, 2 or 3 years depending on the trade. One issue that has emerged is that of “tools of the trade”. Many students need tools while learning. Others will need equipment when they finish. As we’ve traveled around visiting sites, Project Hope has been gathering information on what equipment is needed in each field and the costs. We’ve been talking about ways to help the most enthusiastic students move forward, especially those in fields where they must work for themselves. As one struggle is resolved, another arises. These images were taken in Belo, a nearby town to Njinikom.
Just off the main road in Belo, this road has many sheds and workshops.
Learning to use the manual knitting loom, Prisca has gained proficiency in only 6 months. She tearfully told us that she is so grateful for the support because her mama died a few years back and her papa struggles to take care of her and her siblings. She said the worry of it all hurts her head.
Tedious and careful work.
Prisca’s mentor gives guidance when needed.
Prisca and her sweet mentor.
Otto is mentoring 5 youths through A Call to Mercy. A generous, kind man, he works with many orphans and even offers them work afterwards. His shop was quite large. Gotta love these signs.
Five children mentored through your generosity. LtoR, Happiness, Fabrice, Mercy, Seraphine and Nayah with their mentor, Otto.
Carol watches the work being done.
Your’s truly, capturing on video.
Carol compliments Otto on the impeccable workmanship.
Quiniva is 18. She worries that she will not be able to afford equipment when she graduates.
Project Hope’s MacDonald Yengong talks to the mentor about basic equipment and costs needed to begin work as a seamstress.
This is Thecla. At 19, she has already endured so much. She has lost both parents, is HIV positive and recently suffered a stroke due to complications of the HIV. She is mostly recovered now and has no problem producing a beautiful smile. She says she doesn’t know what she would do without the support and promises to help others like herself when she succeeds.
Thecla, at the machine.
Thecla with her mentor and their colorful dresses.
terry hirst's blog 
Beautiful work ladies!
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Amazing images Terry … What an emotional roller coaster you must both be on …
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The colors in their fabrics are so reflective of their soulful spirits. You cannot help but smile when you see their garb. It’s hard to fathom their everyday struggle. Their clothing express’s a different story. So love that.
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Car, you are so right…you get this. You know how i love B&W images….i kept converting these to B&W but couldn’t…the color is so much of who they are. Thanks. XX
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You and Carol make such a difference Terry, thanks for the lovely photos..xxx
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Makes one feel so grateful for the blessings we have here in our lives – my heart goes out to the people you are encountering – so much to overcome, against steep odds – thank you both for making difference !
As I look at each photo I send Light to each being I gaze upon – feel your project could/ should reach the attention of someone like Oprah.
Much love,
K,
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I thank God everyday for the gift of my dear friend Terry, without her our story would only be in words, the pictures express so much more! Love you dear one
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Just amazing photos- Tells a great story.
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