Around 500, 000 children in Metro Manila, Philippines live in poverty, according to data from the Philippine Institute for Development. The children are forced to help earn for their families or fend for themselves on the streets, exposing them to harsh conditions and making them prone to abuse, exploitation, and illnesses. Many of them engage in challenging income-generating activities, such as begging, selling, garbage trading, car washing and parking, transport barking and performing in acrobatic shows. Street children suffer from multiple dimensions of poverty, particularly deprivations in health and education, food and shelter, to name a few.
What makes matters worse is that public assistance for street children is limited and inadequate. Street children’s concept of right and wrong is normally twisted, considering that most of them have been on the streets for several years without guidance from responsible adults.
Teresita
Silva, the founder of Childhope, believes that the best way to reach out to
street children is to be where they are --- understanding life on the streets,
the hazards and consequences. By being where the street children are, and by
building a relationship with them, the street educators and social workers
eventually open opportunities for the children to dream and pursue lives away
from the streets. Childhope protects street children by engaging them in various
activities and programs like alternative education sessions, psycho-social
counselling, medical care, music sessions, and sports and recreation
activities.
More street children participating in alternative learning sessions means more street children will be a step closer to going to school and finishing school to pursue better futures. When they are given opportunities, street children are motivated to lead their lives for the better. They are able to develop a positive outlook and attitude on life, and change their behavior for a more meaningful impact.
