When this particular carpenter shows up at a new work site, the usual greeting is a bewildered one. Monina the carpenter is certainly a surprise!

Typhoon Haiyan wrecked homes and lives in the Philippines in December, 2013. Many were left homeless in the aftermath of possibly the strongest storm ever recorded. ADRA Canada was quick to respond not only with emergency relief but now with long-term recovery and development.

Monina is one of many carpenters in ADRA’s Shelter Recovery project. More than merely construction, this project takes a holistic view. The project employs and trains locals to be carpenters. These carpenters then go out into their communities and build the ADRA homes. In this way, not only do the homeless have new homes (in some cases, even better than before the typhoon!), but many acquire new skills and opportunities for employment.

Monina is the sole breadwinner in her family of 7 children. Edgar, her husband, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy 9 years ago. Monina carries a heavy weight of responsibility, rendered even heavier immediately after Typhoon Haiyan. Her family’s home was destroyed by Haiyan, leaving Monina to salvage materials and borrow money in order to rebuild. When she heard about ADRA’s carpenter training program, she asked right away to join.

“ADRA has made a big change in my life,” she says. Monina enjoys being a carpenter and looks forward to being one as long as there is work to do.

ADRA Canada continues to respond to disasters with emergency relief, followed by longer-term recovery and development.

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