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 The Car Wash Project is in Montelban a suburb of Manila on a main road opposite a filling station. The bottom photos shows the kitchen/office area.
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Dear Friends
We closed the residential facility for this project early last year. It was expensive to run and the 8 boys are growing up fast. Now in their late teens we asked them what we should do to help them support themselves and how they saw the future. Most replied that they would like to have their own business and so Iddo Olavidez followed up and investigated what they could do. A 24 hour car wash seemed to be the answer. A suitable site was located on the main road from Marikina to Montelban. Siloam supply them with suitable equipment and provide the management support that is needed.
They drew up a very rough kind of business plan and it was considered that 30 vehicles a day would make the project break even. A local Christian couple with their own car wash business offered training for a few months and this was gladly accepted. Iddo and Pastor Larry Marcellino from a Montelban church together with Leo are in overall charge giving their leadership, support and encouragement. All of the boys are involved in the church activities.
Most of the vehicles are cleaned during the night, particularly jeepneys and taxis. They are cleaned inside, outside, the engine is washed and the underside is also done. Depending on the size and type of vehicle it costs the customer 60 to 100 pesos per vehicle (PHP78 = £). A free wash is offered to a customer using the facility for the 10th time. Whilst 3 boys are on duty another cooks their food in the kitchen/office. Initially they offered hamburgers to clients for a fee but this was not successful. Customers are offered drinks. The kitchen with serving hatch is shown in the lowest photo on the left. Sleeping accommodation for 5 is at the rear.
There is still the opportunity for the boys to continue their education.
We recognised from the start that such a project would need funding. Having grown up together these boys are a family. Some do have parents but others do not know their own birthday or even how old they are.
When I visited them last October 2008 on some days they were getting just 28 vehicles but on other days the figure was over 40. The boys were smiling and displayed an attitude of pride and achievement. Although the project is in its early stages it has great potential and we are seeking to expand it.
We are grateful for your support and value your prayers for this project.
Don Foster
Siloam’s South East Asia Voluntary Representative
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