They participate in the Loíza Youth in Construction project. This is an initiative of Fundación Comunitaria de Puerto Rico (FCPR) and PathStone, focused on providing them with access to complete the fourth year of high school, a certification in construction, a stipend, active participation in the reconstruction of Loíza homes, and job placement.
By Ruth E. Hernández Ríos / Communications Consultant, PathStone Corporation Puerto Rico
They are father and son, but they never imagined they would be classmates and co-workers, much less that they would participate in a program where they would help fellow villagers in need.
Gustavo and Mathew Ramos were at home “doing nothing” when his wife and mother, Danaliz Dávila Fuente, respectively, told them about an innovative program in which they could be trained in construction, receive a stipend and do community work. Gustavo, the father, did not think twice. He immediately said yes. However, Mathew, 20 years old, confesses that he agreed to apply for the program “under duress”. Today, months after they started, they say they wouldn't change this experience for anything. In fact, Mathew said that joining the program was “one of the best things that could have happened to me.
And they already have plans in construction. Gustavo, 46, and Mathew, 20, know what they want to do once they complete the program. Youth in the Construction of Loíza. The two will partner together to found a construction company that will not only provide services, but also carry out community work. “Since I know that there are many people here in my town who do not have the necessary resources to be able to finish their homes... I would like to go to different companies and to the municipality itself”, in order to obtain the materials so that my father and I can make improvements to their homes, said the young man. But Mathew also has other dreams. He wants to pursue a career in the U.S. Army and become a major league ball player, a sport he has played with skill since he was a child.
Covid-19 puts you out of a job...
Gustavo, a father of three boys, was robbed of his job in a warehouse at the airport in Isla Verde. He had experienced this before when he was laid off from his government job, where he had worked for 13 years.
Meanwhile, Mathew, who has a bachelor's degree in chiropractic, physical therapy and sports massage, was unemployed when his mother alerted him to the Loíza Youth in Construction Program.
Reviewing his experience so far in the project, Mathew says he is grateful because the program on a personal level “has made me think a lot more about myself, mature a little more... It has made me think about what I want to do in my life and the goals I want to achieve”. They also highlight the technical learning.
“I didn't know how to weld and they taught me. I want to put the welding they taught me into practice. I am thinking of buying a welding machine to be able to make grills,” Gustavo says.
Meanwhile, in joking mode, Mathew says that the most challenging part of the construction program has been “digging a giant hole so we could make a ramp”.
Then, they highlight the work of the team composed by PathStone Corporation Puerto Rico y Puerto Rico Community Foundation (PRCF). “You're with people who help you and who, you don't know them, but you feel like they're family.” Her father also treasures the treatment he has received in the project. “They are very nice. With the teacher there is a (very good) chemistry. I really feel, despite my age, as if I had grown up with them,” says Gustavo, who also appreciates the treatment received in the project. “They are always taking care of us. They bring us our masks. They are always looking out for us. Anne is always sending us messages (for example, she asks us) how we are feeling... the truth is, she is always there looking out for us”, Gustavo adds.
Committed to the program
And precisely Anne Alvarado, PathStone Corporation Puerto Rico's program coordinator, recognizes the commitment shown by both Gustavo and Mathew.
“The experience with Mathew and Gustavo has been extraordinary. From day one they integrated quickly. Dad helps his son to perfect his techniques when he has doubts. I can highlight their commitment to the program. They arrive on time and are not absent. The growth is very noticeable in Mathew since his knowledge was almost nil and now he is in the front row to perform the assigned tasks”, assures Anne.
The program coordinator also mentions that “their interaction in class from day one and now in the construction of the houses is super good and it is worth mentioning that they are always attentive to their classmates. They were among the last participants to enter the program and they have been very responsible since they contacted me for guidance”.
The neighbors and the women of the project...
Currently, Gustavo and Mathew are part of the group of participants in the program who are making construction improvements to the house of a woman who recently underwent surgery. “From the bottom of my heart I'm happy to give her a hand and help her fix up her little house. It fills me up. You can't even imagine how I feel every morning when I go to that home to give my best to help that lady,” Gustavo adds, commenting that his greatest satisfaction in the program is to help people who really need it.
Among the 17 participants in the program there are six women. The interaction with everyone has been “brutal”, Gustavo describes in a positive tone. However, he acknowledges the commitment and outstanding participation of the female sextet. “They really work, these women really work. They have fajaó, They've earned the money. My hat's off to them,” said Mathew's father.
“For me, my dad is everything.”
After recounting several anecdotes and when asked what the experience of working with his dad has been like, Mathew lets out a laugh and reflects. “I really honestly never thought about working with my dad. I see it as an opportunity for me to learn more from my dad...I enjoy it.”.
Undoubtedly, the program has strengthened the father-son relationship between Gustavo and Mathew. The 20-year-old also mentions that the project has allowed him to appreciate his father more. “He is my hero... Although sometimes we don't agree on everything, we have always treated each other well and even if we get upset, we always reach a middle ground to be able to communicate. I see my dad as my hero, as my best friend...For me, my dad is everything,” Mathew adds with emotion.
On his part, Gustavo jokingly and laughing says: “Sometimes I feel like pulling him by the neck... No, really, I feel very proud. It's something very rare. I try to take care of him, and these people are tripping me because yesterday (Tuesday) we were tying the rods to throw the cement.... and I pull him over there and tell him: ”Daddy, go over there, it's too sunny“”. Likewise and with feeling he adds that "working with him is something else".
In these challenging times, Gustavo and Mathew advise both young people and their parents to “not give up”. They recognize that times are difficult, but that there are alternative programs like the one they are participating in that can give them a new opportunity to transform their lives and achieve a better quality of life. “I think many people don't know about programs like this one. I would tell them to try to move forward... Right now I'm out of work because of the pandemic and I've had to learn different things,” she advises. She adds that “life goes on and you have to fight for what you want.
Jóvenes en la Construcción de Loíza is part of a broad racial and social justice strategy that FCPR has been developing since 2015 to contribute to the integral wellbeing of children, youth and families in this town. For this project, FCPR received contributions from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. In particular, the project strengthens the financial, human and physical capital of the participants, thus strengthening the communities of Loíza. The initiative is executed by PathStone Corporation Puerto Rico and has several collaborators: Taller Salud, Ferretería Pagán, Municipality of Loíza and Vitrina Solidaria.
This is the second in a series of articles on the project. Youth in the Construction of Loíza.