By C. Apuli | Res. Mob. Coordinator
For-the-Kids (FTK) 2026 Haraya: Strengthening Volunteer Readiness and Creating Meaningful Experiences for Children with Special Needs and the Big Day
The FTK 2026 Ate-Kuya Volunteer Orientation successfully engaged 430 participants, including 5 speakers representing four partner centers and the Seven Conditions initiative. This critical preparation for FTK 2026 and capacity building for volunteers who would accompany and interact with children with different disabilities, including autism, ADHD, and cerebral palsy, deepened their awareness of the Seven Conditions, helping to ensure the FTK day would be conducted in a safe, inclusive, respectful, and child-centered manner.
Participant volunteers found the orientation to be engaging, practical, and well-organized. Other volunteers shared that they felt better prepared, more confident, and more excited to engage with the children during FTK 2026 Haraya. These outcomes demonstrate the value of investing in volunteer formation. Beyond simply organizing an event, FTK seeks to develop volunteers who are more responsive to the needs and experiences of children with special needs. Thus, suggestions to improve future orientations of FTK volunteers include incorporating more interactive activities, employing additional icebreakers, conducting technical dry runs, and providing flexibility in pacing.
For-the-Kids 2026 Haraya flourished with the continued support and generous donations from sponsors and partners, providing logistical support for fun, engaging games for the children, school supplies, Game Marshal shirts, and tents that helped create more comfortable, organized, and welcoming activity spaces. The shared support directly contributed to creating an environment where children could participate, play, interact, and enjoy the FTK experience together with their Ate-Kuya (Sister-Brother) volunteers. This generosity from our FTK stakeholders helped transform logistical resources into meaningful experiences—bringing smiles, excitement, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for the children with special needs and for FTK volunteers. FTK 2026 is deeply grateful to its sponsors and partners for investing not only in an activity but in a community experience that affirms the dignity, abilities, and potential of every child. Their continued partnership is an important part of making FTK a meaningful expression of solidarity and social engagement.
Photo credits: COSCA-L.O.V.E., COSCA-RCY, COSCA-SSFP
By Maria Carmen Apuli | Resource Moblization Coordinator
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