 John, left, and Jaime (wearing red shirt) present Antonio with his new mobility chair. To date, St. Francis Prostheses Workshop has provided more than 400 people with various mobility devices and the training they will need to continue production long after MKLM has gone from East Timor.  As part of his training, Jaime presents administrative and financial reports to St. Francis’s staff members. John, far right, anticipates that Jaime will be ready to assume his position as manager within the next few months. 
| During 2009, St. Francis Prostheses Workshop output soared. Not only did it manufacture 11 wheelchairs, 12 hand-powered tricycles and 10 pairs of specialized orthopedic shoes, it also provided hands-on training to workers – specifically, people with physical disabilities. Managed by Maryknoll Lay Missioner John O’Donoghue, and designed by returned MKLM missioner Bill Velicky, St. Francis serves the town of Aileu, East Timor. This fledgling country is the poorest in Asia and is home to a disproportionately high number of people with disabilities. Its rocky terrain creates additional obstacles for them. New job, renewed hope
Jaime Ximenes is a beneficiary of St. Francis Workshop. After he suffered a car accident when he was 10, Jaime’s leg was amputated. People with disabilities often face discrimination in East Timor, and Jaime had difficulty finding employment. St. Francis provided Jaime with two things that have changed his life forever. First, Jaime received a new prosthetic leg. Second, with the aid of his new prosthetic leg, Jaime is able to travel to his job at St. Francis. No longer bound by immobility, he has gained confidence as he earns the income needed to support his family. John has been preparing Jaime for his future role as manager of the facility. Jaime receives on-the-job training in finance, administration, and management. John also trains Jaime’s co-workers in the production of hand-powered tricycles, wheelchairs and special shoes for people with disabilities. 
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