Last November 30, Childhope Philippines celebrated National Children’s Month by ending November with MusiKalye 2022. The event, which saw the attendance of Childhope Philippines Ambassador of Hope Lovi Poe, aimed to give the spotlight to the street children and youth clients as they showcase their God-given talents.
In cooperation with donors and sponsors TELUS International Philippines, Coforge, PLAY at Okada Manila, Milo Philippines, Supersam, Kamuning Bakery Cafe, Nature’s Spring, and Mr. Jun Lalin, the event proved to be a great success. It was indeed a perfect way to celebrate National Children’s Month.
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What is National Children’s Month?
Every year, the Philippines celebrates National Children’s Month in November. This month-long celebration seeks to give Filipino children access to a healthy environment, good education, and healthcare. More importantly, this occasion comes from a place of empathy. As a third-world country, the Philippines reports a high number of families struggling financially every year.
Hence, non-government organizations work closely with the local government to extend a helping hand, especially to the children who suffer the most. In essence, the National Children’s Month is a great opportunity to show the ways we can help and support them.
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Overview of National Children’s Month 2022
For this year’s National Children’s Month, the Department of Education (DepEd) joined forces with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), the National Youth Commission (NYC), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and local government units. The DepEd also sought the support of private organizations including the civil society, private enterprises, and nongovernment organizations to celebrate this year’s occasion, with the theme “Kalusugan, Kaisipan, at Kapakanan ng Bawat Bata Ating Tutukan!”
For its part, Childhope Philippines hosted MusiKalye 2022, a yearly event in support of the motnh-long celebration.
Livestreamed as it happened, the entire event can be watched here.
Childhope Philippines’ Focus on National Children’s Month
As we celebrate the National Children’s Month for the entire November, Childhope Philippines plays an active role focusing on advocacies that promote the overall well-being of children, especially those who are less fortunate and living in the streets.
The programs below are some of the initiatives that we currently have in place.
1. KalyEskwela
Education is a basic human right. However, the access to such right has been challenging for many Filipinos today. Poverty, family matters, and even location are three of the most pressing factors that impede them from enjoying this benefit. Children get the brunt of this deficiency; they often need to work to support their families, so they can’t attend school.
Hence, Childhope’s initiative, the KalyEskwela, aims to help 50,000 to 70,000 children who live on the streets of Metro Manila. To equip these children and youth with knowledge and skills needed to forge a good life, our Street Education and Protection (STEP) Program would conduct alternative learning sessions and basic literacy and numeracy classes. Our educators use the Alternative Learning System accredited by DepEd.
2. Kalyenderia Mobile Soup Kitchen
In response to the pandemic compounding the struggles of many Filipino families, Childhope set out to create a positive impact in street children’s lives.
We recently launched our newest program, Kalyenderia Mobile Soup Kitchen, with the main goal of sharing nutritious food with less-fortunate beneficiaries. Especially during this time, having access to healthy foods continues to be hard for the street children. Kalyenderia aims to address and alleviate hunger by providing hot meals and hot soups to street families in Manila.
3. KliniKalye
To fight against malnutrition, the rapid spread of COVID-19, and other rampant illnesses here in the Philippines, Childhope implemented the KliniKalye program. This initiative involves the organization visiting indigent areas in Metro Manila on a weekly basis to provide free medical services using mobile health clinics.
KliniKalye demonstrates transparent collation of health information from patients and conducts one-on-one consultations. Health volunteers focus on illness prevention while also educating patients on proper hygiene and diet.
4. Psychosocial Interventions
In line with the STEP program mentioned above, Childhope actively responds to the call of building community-based psychosocial support. As one of the non-profit organizations in the country focused on helping and protecting children, our STEP program includes providing psychosocial support to children as well as their parents. We facilitate interventions to help them cope with stress and challenges. Additionally, we provide shelter, especially for neglected and abandoned children.
5. Outreach Programs
Finally, our outreach programs and activities involve giving learning, social planning, health support, and other service projects for the welfare of the supported groups. It is our hope that we’ll be able to uplift and support those who are deprived of basic rights that include food, education, and good health.
Support Efforts for Children’s Well-Being
National Children’s Month is but one of the many ways to support children’s well-being. What can you do, then?
Join Childhope Philippines’ advocacy efforts for street children today. Become an agent of change by volunteering your time and energy or donating resources that would help forward our noble cause. Let’s work together to give the street children a better tomorrow.