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Joyce Marie-Jeanne
<I><B>Vice-president and treasurer of Hopeway</B></I>
<B> What is the vision of Hopeway?</B>
Basically, Hopeway is a non-governmental association aimed at rehabilitating mentally sick people. We take them as from 18 years old. We have recently opened a second centre for the youngsters we trained. In fact, the committee noticed that those youngsters made continuous improvements during the therapy they followed. Therefore we decided that we could not leave them like this. Otherwise, they would have been at home nostalgic and depressed. Hence, we kept eleven adherents. They now follow a sheltered workshop and learn how to work.
What activities do these people do?</B>
The second centre that we have recently opened is actually a rented house. So, we have to find the funds to pay this rent. To do this, we sell second-hand clothes and books. During the day, the youngsters learn how to cook as we have a cafeteria and a club-house. Furthermore, we have two important events coming up very soon. This Friday we are organizing a food fair with many varieties of food such as briani on the menu. And, on 28th October, we are selling books. I can assure you that all items will be sold at a very cheap price !
<B> What have you noticed in the behaviour of the youngsters ? Do they seem happy ? </B>
When we opened this second centre, only one out of eleven youngsters did not seem to be adapting to life in Hopeway. Now he has followed a therapy and he has adapted very well. The ten others have always been great. Some come three times a week to the centre, but many come everyday! Indeed they look radiant and very happy. But they are even more happy when they have members of the public who visit them. Then, the smile on their faces says everything. Indeed, sometimes members of the public come and visit them. They even bring flowers for the youngsters.
What are the values that those youngsters gain from what they do ?</B>
They gain a lot! First of all, they learn how to be more responsible. Then, they learn how to be more disciplined. For example, when they leave the centre they always wash what they have used before they leave. Some even clean the garden. But the most important thing is that they feel more confident and helpful.
Are you supported financially or materially by any other organization ?</B>
We often have to raise funds! The government gives us only Rs 90,000 every year! Luckily, we have some sponsors. But now with all the taxes the government has introduced, it will be hard for us to get sponsorship. Moreover, our expenses are really high. We have to communicate with people from outside and stamps now cost Rs 5. The worst is the fact that we received a plot of land of 1.5 acres from the previous government and it seems this government does not want to give it to us. We have already paid a deposit of Rs 10,000 for it. And the architect Gaëtan Siew has already drawn up the plans but we have been waiting quite a while for government approval to start the construction. As the treasurer of the association, I can tell you that it is hard to find funds these days!
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