Living with a disabled child can have profound effects on a family living in poverty. La Sagesse Center helps to fill this void. It is a day care and developmental center that provides services for nearly 100 children suffering from autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome and other disabilities.

The Center is run by the Daughters of Wisdom and is recognized by the Filipino Department of Education as a special needs school. The children learn to accomplish daily tasks such as personal hygiene, cooking and doing their own laundry.

The more integrated they become at home, the more they are accepted and loved by their families. Many of the children are able to complete enough life skills training classes to become self-sufficient within three to four years.

Children helping other children and their community

Children in the vocational cooking program demonstrated their accomplishments by cooking lunch for a nearby orphanage. Every September students from La Sagesse also take part in a community service program. Learning to give back builds self-esteem and confidence.

The Center provides a variety of classes and ensures that each student receives personalized training to become more self-sufficient. A social worker and counselor assess each child’s needs.

• Early intervention promotes growth and development.
• Arts and crafts encourage them to express their feelings.
• English, math and computer classes are available for students with higher learning capabilities.
• Job placement helps students that master simple skills.