A culture which puts children at its center

There are 35 million children in the Philippines.  Forty percent of these children live in poverty, leaving them vulnerable to sickness, nutritional problems and even child labor and trafficking.  We have helped 453,875 Filipinos safeguard their families from these threats since 1954.

When Typhoon Xangsane struck the Philippines in 2006, numerous children and adults suffered from acute respiratory infection, cough, cold, fever, and diarrhea or were injured from flying debris.  We’ve partnered with the City Health Office to deal with emergency situations like this one.  In four Child Centered Spaces set up in the areas most heavily affected by the typhoon, we hosted medical missions and treated about 420 children each day.

“I am happy that I was invited to provide my services as a doctor to the parents and children of this barangay who were much affected by the typhoon. Thanks to [ChildFund] and Batit-Anay for providing support to this important activity.” – Dr. Estrallado, local doctor

Child Centered Spaces provide emergency response for children.  But in the midst of a natural disaster or armed conflict, they also serve as safe places for children simply to be children – to sing and dance, play and have access to education.

During emergencies, child well-being committees, composed of community members, parents, youth and children, assemble to ensure that the children are protected and child development continues to be promoted.

But to take care of the children, first we must educate mothers.  Our health care programs teach women – both mothers and those who have yet to have children – healthy pre-natal and post-natal practices as well as birth spacing and family planning methods, including providing access to contraceptives.  Peer education has proven to be a highly effective method of teaching reproductive health to young people ages 12 to 24.

We also teach mothers how to prepare healthy meals on a tight budget.  Children’s health is regularly assessed and those children who are properly nourished are presented to the community as examples of successful feeding practices.  But proper nourishment can be challenging when there is limited food security.  By providing grants for growing crops and educating farmers regarding more effective agricultural strategies, we attempt to transform small-scale production into income-generating ventures. Supplemental feeding programs are also available during emergencies.

An important component of keeping children healthy is access to safe water, both for drinking and sanitation.  Programs like the Barangay Water Services Association (BAWASA), a communal water system, provide children with easy access to clean water, protecting them from water-borne diseases and other illnesses. When children are healthy, they are able to grow developmentally and participate in school.

Education tailored to children’s needs

In schools in the Philippines, factors like curriculum are sometimes less important than the child’s well-being and protection as well as the quality of teaching.  Child Friendly Schools cater to the needs of children by bringing communities and parents together with the common goal of improving children’s quality of education.

Sometimes, these Child Friendly Schools employ community-owned and managed alternative learning systems or non-formal schools to address special needs within the community. Insix program areas in Mindanao, armed conflicts have forced children to drop out of school.  In this case, non-formal schools provide education to these children, while also facilitating peace through integration of cultures.

But learning starts before children even reach school. Day care centers throughout the Philippines have been renovated and upgraded with new learning materials. And in 23 program areas without day care centers, an alternative method of Early Childhood Development is used:  supervised neighborhood play. Encouraged to form play groups, parents are taught developmentally appropriate activities for engaging their children and inspiring learning.

We’re working side by side with the Filipino people to improve education, medical care, resources, and the conditions in which they live.  Help us give the children of the Philippines a better chance in life.