Empower Filipino teenage girl survivors of abuse

Angel, pictured here, is an eighteen-year-old girl who has benefitted from the programs and activities of the project. Staying at Tahanan Sta. Luisa made Angel experience what it was like to live in an actual home. But more than the house, it was the joy of genuinely being loved by a family that she treasures the most.

“I was surrounded by supportive social workers, teachers, Nanays (house mothers), and other street girls whom I consider sisters by blood. They gave me hope and inspired me to pursue my dreams of studying again,” Angel shares.

Angel worked hard and learned through Tahanan’s education program. With the help of generous donors and volunteers, she pursued her thirst for education. She took an Alternative Learning System Accreditation test in 2016 and passed. She finally got the chance to enter college. She had long been dreaming of entering the Philippines’ premiere State University. Unfortunately, she was not able to apply to the University of the Philippines (UP) that year.

In 2017, Angel applied and got accepted to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). She took up Bachelor in Secondary Education Major in English course. “I learned a lot in my one year stay at the college, but I still wanted to chase my childhood dream of studying in UP,” Angel shares. “Armed with my courage and the grades I obtained from PUP, I decided to apply and transfer to UP.”

She went through the screening process and got accepted to the Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan ng Pilipinas (College of Arts and Letters). She is now taking up Bachelor of Arts in Philippine Studies Major in Education.

“This is the start of my journey towards becoming a teacher for the street kids. The people who inspired me to fulfill this goal are right: I can do it, I did it, and I will do it,” Angel shares.

Links:

• Check out our programs and services on our Facebook page!

It’s the start of another school year in the Philippines, and children are already getting back to the routine of busy school days. For our street girls in Tahanan Sta. Luisa, going to a city public school is one of their biggest milestones to date.

Five girls are making the most out of their first foray into regular schools. Three are in regular elementary school, while two girls with special needs are enrolled in a special education school --- all within a radius of a few kilometers from Tahanan.

HEALING AND EMPOWERMENT

And Tahanan could not be prouder of the brave girls who take advantage of the opportunity to learn and excel. Tahanan believes that education empowers street girl survivors of physical and sexual abuse and helps them continue their journey towards healing and recovery.

“Admittedly, I was scared to make this move. I thought that considering the girls’ behavior, they might try to escape and go back to the ways of the street,” said Nellen, Acting Center Director and Head Social Worker.

“But I realized that going to regular schools and interacting with other children will help them build their character. This is a fresh start to a goal to reintegrate them into the community,” she added.

House parents bring the girls to school and pick them up from school. The girls are always excited to share their stories about learning and interacting with newfound friends.

“What the girls value most is the sense and feeling of belongingness. They are more inspired and motivated to do tasks, including doing their homework and chores at Tahanan,” shares Nellen.

Links:

• Check out our programs and services on our Facebook page!