JACKSONVILLEWith people streaming in from every corner of the globe, the Habitat for Humanity Jimmy Carter Work Project’s opening ceremonies had the ingredients of an international event. Sunday’s ceremonies at Jacksonville State University brought new and familiar faces together to celebrate the kickoff of JCWP, and the flavor of the event was decidedly international.
Among the visits from afar was Teresa "Tess" Daclan, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity in Las Pinas, Philippines. Las Pinas is suburb of Manila, which hosted the 1999 JCWP.
Daclan has been involved with Habitat since 2000. Initially, Daclan served on the Board of the Family Selection Committee, which determines who qualifies for the housing program. She was promoted to executive director in May of 2002.
"This (Las Pinas) affiliate was an offshoot of the ’99 Work Project," said Daclan, who has seen the long-term impact of Habitat’s work since joining the organization.
She became involved during the formation of Youth Build 2000. Youth Build’s purpose is to bring in young adults in to spend the summer building houses.
Due to the success in Manila, it has become an annual youth event throughout the world, she said.
In addition to her role in Habitat, Daclan is training at Servant in Faith and Technology’s International Training Campus in Lineville. She is involved in a 10-week community training and technical assistance program for community leaders from around the world.
"My involvement with SIFAT began in 1997 through a family friend and alumni of the program," she said.
About three months ago, she learned a scholarship was available in the Community Development Program here. The program will complement her work in helping communities become self reliant and sustainable through Habitat .
Community leaders from more than 75 countries have participated in learning practical skills to help the poor help themselves. Courses include classes in water purification, developing sustainable agriculture and harnessing energy from sun, wind and water.
"Learning appropriate technologies here is a big help back home," Daclan said. "We are able to teach livelihood projects, such as weaving to women’s groups."
"It is truly amazing what God can do. The true ministry of God is the uniting of people from North American and Asia to give those who have less more."
The key — and it works hand-in-glove with Habitat’s mission — is not to dole out temporary help but to teach a new way of life and provide help to make that new lifestyle sustainable.
"We help those who want to help themselves," said Daclan, a firm advocate of the role that Habitat and SIFAT are serving at home and abroad.
"By learning about the theology of development," she said, "you begin to understand that God has a preferential option to the poor."
Whether training in Alabama or helping to rebuild lives, she believes that the techniques learned here are universal in nature.
"The global community has become much smaller. You feel right at home here."
