• Irene Valicuatro

    I am 23 and the sole provider of two small boys. Natural disaster, famine, and war brought me to Cebu. But, I could not find work when I arrived even though I graduated from a nurses aid program. As a result, I became cornered in a life of prostitution to feed my family. In the brothel, my identity faded into black. But, I’ve discovered how precious I am to God through things like the Okoa jewelry project. I love to create beautiful jewelry. I hope it will keep me forever free from the darkness and despair of the brothel.

  • Alicia Lopez

    The father of my two children died in 2009. Even though I am a college graduate, I cannot make enough money to take care of my family. All I want is to have a safe and healthy home for my family. As the chairwomen of one of the Okoa jewelry projects here in Cebu, I truly believe this dream is possible for both my family and the families of the other cooperative members.

  • Jewellyn Martinez

    Although I was drawn to the red light district out of my desire to feed my two children, I lost them after I became addicted to the drugs that deadened the way prostitution made me feel. Now, with the help of nuns at Good Shepherd Welcome House I am putting my old life behind me and trying to get my children back. Making Okoa jewelry really helps me and the other ladies in the cooperative believe we can put our old lives behind us and experience the life we know God wants for us.

  • Elsa Lopez

    I ended up in the red light district many years ago because of difficulties with my family. Now, I am 28 years old and the mother of two children. Life is hard and I fear my family may be physically affected because of my life in the brothel. But, I know God is in control and He wants better things for me like the Okoa jewelry project.

  • Jimmie Ygot

    I’m 20 and I’ve been in the red light district since my teens. I wanted the easy life, but it quickly turned into a nightmare that I desperately tried to escape. I pray Trade Justice Mission can help me escape this life. When I made my first piece of jewelry, I really had fun. Now I know every piece of jewelry I make gets me closer to my dream of having a husband, children, and a business that will free from the red light district.