“Embracing Childhope’s 3H: My Journey of Purpose and Growth”
Caring for children in street situations, Childhope was established in 1986 by Ms. Teresita Silva. Having brought hope to their beneficiaries for 17 years, I am delighted to have interned at Childhope, dedicating 200 hours. During my time, I rotated through three units: the Resource Mobilization Unit, Administration Office, and the Accounting Department. Undoubtedly, I acquired new knowledge and enhanced various skills.
Beyond that, I encountered three core principles that define Childhope:
Humanity, an intrinsic quality that binds us, transcends borders and circumstances, fostering compassion and empathy for one another. It’s the driving force behind initiatives like Childhope, where the focus is on children in street situations who need understanding and support.
Hope, the beacon that guides us through even the darkest of times, is at the heart of Childhope’s mission. By providing these children with opportunities, education, and care, the organization plants the seeds of possibility, nurturing their dreams and aspirations.
Haven, Childhope is more than just an organization; it’s a haven for these young souls, offering them a sanctuary from the challenges they face on the streets. In this haven, they find safety, encouragement, and a chance to transform their lives, becoming beacons of hope themselves.
Childhope’s mission is to work towards the protection and fulfillment of children’s rights through integrated direct service programs in education, health, and social services. Envisioning a Philippines where urban poor children, especially those in street situations, gain access to the fulfillment of their rights and have them protected and upheld, achieving this goal is not solely the responsibility of Childhope; it is also made possible by the trust and generosity of its partners and donors. This endeavor represents a collaborative effort driven by dedication and perseverance.
The nearly month-long journey I spent at Childhope has been an emotional whirlwind, standing as one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life as someone interested in volunteering. It’s a chapter I would eagerly do again, even if circumstances didn’t demand it. My heart resonates with an unyielding desire to immerse myself once more. Though I may not have been a direct beneficiary, I was gifted with a unique blessing: the gift of witnessing the sheer depth of human kindness. It’s a gift that has left a place in my heart, reminding me of the incredible power of compassion that resides within us all.
Embarking on this journey with the intention of completing a 200-hour internship evolved from a mere obligation into a deeper sense of duty and personal interest in serving a greater cause. Undoubtedly, Childhope stands as a beacon of hope, but its influence goes beyond that, uniting individuals with compassion and hearts of gold to effect transformative change in the lives of these children.
For today and the days that lie ahead, this testimonial and I stand as evidence of Childhope’s unwavering commitment to tirelessly seek out children who have lost hope, and in turn, nurture them into becoming the very embodiment of hope for the future.