Sadly, it is not uncommon in the Philippines to see children begging for food and sleeping on the sidewalk. Scavenging for plastics and other recyclable items at the city dump is a grim reality of life for many children which come from the very poorest of backgrounds with very little hope.
The children, some as young at 5 either live at home, but spend their days on the streets and not in school or have left home permanently and live on the streets of Tacloban and Ormoc City. Not a place for a child to grow up.
Poverty, violence, neglect, or addiction issues are common reasons why families break down and children are left to fend for themselves, or to escape harm. Even those still living at home have to resort to begging for food as there is not any at home.
Street children will often sniff rugby (a brand of glue) to overcome hunger pains and as a coping mechanism of depression. The majority of the street children are malnourished, in poor health, and are vulnerable to sexual exploitation and recruitment by street gangs.
Volunteers will work at a shelter or rehabilitation facility for street children in Tacloban City or Ormoc City, which is operated by their respective social welfare and development agency. You can help to provide education and recreational services, in order to better the children’s lives.
Teaching English and other subjects, life skills, vocational skills, and generally inspiring them to help change their lives around, stressing the importance of an education. With an education they have a far better chance of getting themselves out of poverty, so it is vital that they are encouraged to attend school.
Some of the children are welcoming of support from volunteers and local staff, whilst others, quite understandably may be less trusting of adults and therefore more challenging to work with. By approaching the project with a caring and non-judgemental attitude, you hard work and commitment can help to show these youths that adults can be trusted.
Location
Tacloban is approximately 360 miles from Manila. It’s the capital of the Province of Leyte and has a population of 275,000 people. The city offers international volunteers an opportunity to be immersed in a unique Asian culture, which is at least partially left untouched by Western Culture, especially in the rural areas. In November 2013, Tacloban was one of the most devastated areas of the Philippines when Super Typhoon Yolanda (Hayian) ravaged through the Philippines; therefore, the city and surrounding areas now present an even greater range of opportunities for international volunteers. Tacloban is easily accessible by air from Manila or Cebu through daily flights offered by Philippines Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Zest Air.
Project Tasks
Provide assistence and counselling for poor families
Help to educate them into going to school and gaining an education
Work with the program, that provides meals and clothing to the families
