In July 2025, Childhope Philippines continued its mission to bring education directly to underserved children through its flagship alternative learning initiative, the KalyEskwela Mobile Community Learning Hub. Across several sessions held throughout Metro Manila, the program focused on foundational skills and life-enhancing lessons designed to empower children in street situations.
These sessions were not limited to academics. From developing math abilities to equipping children with knowledge on health, safety, and substance abuse prevention, each activity was crafted to meet both the practical and emotional needs of the learners. For many participants, these learning sessions offered more than just instruction—they provided a sense of hope and belonging.
Let’s take a closer look at the sessions conducted and how they help transform the lives of street children.
Related Article: Empowering Street Children Through Basic Literacy: A Look into Childhope’s BLAN Session
Childhope’s KalyEskwela: Learning Sessions That Reach Street Children Where They Are
Unlike traditional classrooms confined to school buildings, KalyEskwela takes learning to the streets—literally. The Mobile Community Learning Hub travels to areas where street children live, delivering age-appropriate lessons aligned with both DepEd’s Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Childhope’s holistic development framework.
By conducting interactive learning sessions in accessible community spaces, the program bridges educational gaps caused by poverty, displacement, and school dropout. The approach blends academic content with real-life skills that foster decision-making, self-awareness, and personal growth.
Below are some of the highlights from the program’s efforts to organize learning sessions.
1. Numeracy Learning
This learning session focused on developing basic numeracy skills among street children. Facilitated by Bro. John, the learning session “From First to Last: Studying the Ordinal Numbers” involved engaging and interactive methods, to engage the children in street situations. As a result, this session fostered a simple and supportive learning space that allowed the young attendees to understand basic concepts and build confidence through education.
Related Article: Building Stronger Foundations for Street Children’s Future Through Literacy and Numeracy Skills
2. Substance Abuse Prevention Education (SAPE)
Two separate SAPE sessions were held in different locations to address a growing concern in urban street communities—exposure to illegal drugs and substance abuse. These sessions aimed to provide children with accurate information and practical strategies to protect themselves from the risks of substance use.
First SAPE session: Held on May 15, 2025 in the Osma area, this session focused on equipping children and youth with knowledge and tools to make informed, healthy choices. Led by Childhope educator Teacher Jessa, the day featured engaging discussions and interactive activities. These, in turn, allowed participants to learn about the dangers of substance abuse, the importance of self-awareness, and how to resist peer pressure.
More importantly, the session aimed to empower the community’s young members to lead safe and responsible lives, fostering a supportive environment where awareness and prevention take center stage.
Second SAPE session: On May 24, 2025, Childhope conducted another SAPE session, this time with Teacher Sheila in one of the areas in Metro Manila, and engaged with children in street situations. The session focused on helping them understand the risks of substance abuse and encouraging them to make safer and healthier choices. It was a straightforward and meaningful discussion where the children listened, shared, and asked questions.
Both learning sessions emphasized the importance of reaching out and providing support to those who need it most, especially the youth living in difficult conditions. By equipping street children with information and preventive tools, Childhope fosters safer environments and more resilient decision-making.
3. Personal Safety and Protective Behavior (PSPB)
In one of the Metro Manila areas, Childhope conducted a group counseling session for eight children from the Divisoria area that focused on Personal Safety and Protective Behavior (PSPB). The session helped the kids understand how to recognize unsafe situations, set boundaries, and ask for help when needed.
Through simple activities and open talks, the attendees learned how to protect themselves and understand their rights. It’s a straightforward but important step in keeping children safe and informed.
How Do These Alternative Learning Sessions Help Street Children?
Childhope’s alternative learning sessions under the KalyEskwela program are more than just educational activities—they are lifelines. Designed for children who have limited or no access to the traditional school system, these sessions offer foundational learning, emotional support, and life skills that can pave the way for long-term growth and stability.
Below are the key ways these sessions help change lives:
Making Education Accessible Beyond the Classroom
For many children in street situations, the barriers to formal education—such as financial constraints, lack of legal documents, and unstable living conditions—make traditional schooling unattainable. KalyEskwela’s mobile learning hub addresses this gap by delivering learning sessions where the children are: in streets, parks, community centers, and other urban spaces where they feel safe and welcome.
The flexibility of these sessions ensures that even out-of-school youth have the opportunity to access quality instruction without the pressure or formality of institutional learning. By making education mobile and adaptable, the program ensures no child is left behind simply because they can’t enter a classroom.
Reinforcing Practical and Life-Relevant Learning
Unlike conventional subjects that may seem abstract or disconnected from real life, alternative learning sessions are carefully designed to be directly relevant to the children’s daily experiences. For example, numeracy sessions focus not just on arithmetic, but on applying math to street-based livelihoods such as budgeting or buying and selling goods. Likewise, safety lessons are framed in contexts familiar to them—like how to deal with strangers, avoid risky environments, or seek help when in danger.
This real-world orientation makes learning more engaging and meaningful. When children understand how lessons relate to their lives, they become more invested in applying what they learn.
Empowering Through Awareness and Self-Protection
Many of the topics covered, such as substance abuse prevention and personal safety, are often neglected in traditional curricula but are critical for children living in vulnerable conditions. Sessions that teach children how to protect themselves from exploitation, recognize unsafe situations, or understand the dangers of drug use, equip them with the tools to make safer choices.
These topics also empower children to recognize their worth and assert their rights, especially in environments where they are often ignored, harassed, or abused. Knowledge becomes their first line of defense, and confidence grows as they learn how to advocate for themselves.
Building Confidence and Encouraging Future Learning
Perhaps one of the most transformative effects of Childhope’s sessions is the restoration of a child’s belief in their own potential. Many street children internalize societal judgment, believing that education and success are out of reach for them. KalyEskwela challenges this mindset by showing that learning is possible—and that it can be enjoyable and rewarding.
Through consistent engagement, mentorship, and positive reinforcement, children begin to see themselves not just as street survivors, but as students, leaders, and dreamers. This newfound confidence often becomes a stepping stone toward reintegration into formal education or pursuit of further learning opportunities under the Department of Education’s ALS (Alternative Learning System).
Bring Education Closer to Street Children with Your Help
Each session delivered by Childhope’s KalyEskwela team is a step toward transforming the life of a child. But with thousands still on the streets, more help is needed. You can make a difference. By supporting Childhope Philippines, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply sharing their mission, you help sustain vital learning sessions and expand the reach of alternative education to those who need it most. Donate today and bring education directly to the streets.