To help more street children to help themselves

Amidst the Covid19 pandemic that struck the whole world, the vulnerable sectors of society, especially the poor and underprivileged, suffered greatly as their health, livelihood and education were negatively impacted. In the Philippines, a huge percentage of workers lost their jobs, bringing the unemployment rate to 6.6% or 3.27 million jobless Filipinos as of February 10, 2022. They are forced to rely on relief goods from the government and some private organizations. Living a hand-to-mouth existence before the pandemic, now they have no money or savings for food and medical expenses.

Based on our data, more than 60% of beneficiaries reported loss of income or difficulty in finding ways to earn. This is because the movement of people was limited, with us having one of the longest lockdowns in the world—affecting the ability to earn income as most of them rely on finding a means to earn money while roaming the streets of Metro Manila.  Food aid was available for a while, but it was not sufficient enough to sustain their families amidst the inability to earn income. Aside from food aid, they also expressed the need for monetary help, which they opt to use for paying rent and utilities. Although about 70% of them received financial aid from the government, the subsidy given was not enough for the duration of the lockdown, given that they do not have means to earn money at the moment.

Two years into the pandemic and nothing much has changed. Although the economy is slowly opening up due to lesser restrictions, the effects of the recession are far from being over—making the chances of finding employment and a means of living more difficult.

Activities implemented during the reporting period

Reporting period will be covering the last three (3) to four (4) months of the Street Youth Empowerment Project (SYEP) for the first batch of FY 2020 implementation.  During the reporting period, the country was still under a new normal situation due to the pandemic.  Covered months will be from December 2021 until March 2022.  

The first reporting month (December) had three (3) major activities to consider namely; Livelihood Training on T-Shirt and Mug Printing, Livelihood Training on Snack Making, Food Processing, Dishwashing Liquid, Hand Sanitizer and Bleach Making; and Entrepreneurship Session.  

Livelihood Training on T-Shirt and Mug Printing consist of three (3) sessions in all.  The first session was intended for an overview and lecture on the process of printing through the methods of silkscreen and sublimation.  Accordingly, silkscreen printing as an earlier process provides a more economical process for starters who are just starting a printing business.  Being economical, it allows the entrepreneur to invest only a small amount for the materials.  It also allows the person to really appreciate the product having prepared them meticulously to avoid mistakes and additional cost.  On the other hand, sublimation printing is a more recent development in the process of printing which requires equipment (heat press and computer printer).  Hence, it is more costly to invest in this kind of printing process but such provides for a more practical and fast way of finishing a volume of product in bulk.  The second and third sessions were intended for actual demonstration of the process of silkscreen and sublimation printing and actual hands on the process afterwards by the participants.

Livelihood Training on Snack Making taught the participants on how to make simple snacks to start a business consists of one (1) session.  Snacks that were introduced are “Turon w/ Cheese” (fried coated banana with sugar and cheese) and “Special Putobumbong” (steamed rice starch with cheese and condensed milk).  The two (2) snacks were popular snacks in the country but were introduced or prepared in a level-up way to be more marketable and appealing to consumers thereby, introducing a twist in presenting them.  The livelihood training on food processing consists of two (2) sessions (1 session for “tocino” and “longganisa” making ang 1 session for “siomai” making).  All these three (3) were the most popular processed meat products in the country that are commonly started as a business by many Filipinos, especially mothers.  After each livelihood session, food tasting followed whereby, staff of Childhope was invited to try the products for comment along with all the youth participants.  Livelihood training in dishwashing liquid soap, hand sanitizer, and bleach making were taught in the last part consisting of two (2) sessions.  The three (3) were selected as the focus of training based on their everyday usability and high demand at this time of pandemic situation in the country.

Entrepreneurship session was the last major activity facilitated in December 2020 which allows the youth participants to learn basic knowledge about Entrepreneurship such as: (1) definition of Entrepreneurship; (2) significant characteristic of an entrepreneur; (3) difference between a businessman and entrepreneur and (4) the three elements to be considered in putting up a small business.  During the discussion, participants shared their excitement and expressed their interest in putting up a small business because of the new skills that they have learned from the previous skills training activity.  However, they were quite hesitant if they could really do it because they are concerned about the start-up capital.  Although there were some participants who are unlikely to become entrepreneurs, still they remain firm that whatever inputs that they have learned in the course will be a great help for them to become successful.  At the end of the session, the facilitator processed the emotion of participants by asking them when they consider themselves as successful.  The youth responded with the following answers (summed up): (1) If they have put up their own business and paid all their debt (2) If they have built their own houses (3) If they are earning more than the basic wages and (4) If they are able to apply what they have learned from VocTech sessions in their day-to-day living.

Skills for Employability Session were facilitated last January 28-29, 2022 at Childhope Philippines office.  The session taught the youth participants the skills in applying for a job including the skill in making their very own resume.  Moreover, youth participants learned the various skills that an applicant must possess in applying for a job.  During the session, the facilitator discovered that some of the youth participants already had experience either in applying for a job or working in an establishment.  Hence, the training gave them an opportunity to be aware of their loopholes in job application preparation particularly on job interviews.  Second day session was about resume making and mock job interview demonstration.  Youth participants were observed to be confident in finishing their resumes maybe because most of them were used to computer operation.  However, youth were observed quite anxious in their mock job interview demonstration with a bit of nervousness of what to expect.  What added to their tension was the participation of an interviewer not known to the youth that was invited, making the youth feel what it’s like in applying for a job.  Nevertheless, they still tried it and pushed through without any of them backing out which later made them happy and proud with what they have done or accomplished that day.  

Livelihood fair was a new activity introduced in the project this year which aims for the youth participants to experience other means of marketing their product as entrepreneurs if ever they’ve decided to start their own business.  Also, the objective of the activity was to showcase the different products brought about by their participation in livelihood training.  Prior to the said event, pre-online selling of the products was facilitated ahead of the scheduled fair on social media (Facebook) to promote not only the products but the event as well.

Prior to the above activities mentioned, institution of preparation for the activities was facilitated including but not limited to purchase of materials; preparation of forms needed which will be accomplished by youth, printing of materials for the workshop; and others.  Facilitators of the activities were coordinated as regards the schedules in order to avoid conflict with their other concerns.  They were as well communicated about the materials that they need for preparation.  Preparation of budget proposals for the activities including check requisition and encashment were also facilitated.

Lessons Learned and Realization

Youth participants have gained their confidence to become an entrepreneur because they believe that they are equipped enough to try their luck in putting up their own businesses, since they already have the skills to make some products.  They likewise recognized the essence of the skills training and other sessions that the VocTech Project had provided for them to acquire and enhance their competence. 

The common goal in life by most of the youth participants is to get out of poverty. Nobody mentioned finishing their studies and getting a decent job afterwards, which is the usual answer as well. With this, the gradual change in perspective of the youth about education can be seen. Slowly the younger generation appreciates and recognizes that learning is part of the development process, but it is not limited to formal schooling because there are many ways to learn and fulfill their dreams.

Participants have certainly improved their self-confidence after attending the session on skills for employability. Evidence of this was observed during the introductory session where most of them are quite nervous in introducing themselves.  When asked about it, most of them were hesitant to speak up.  Along the way in the session, some of the youth participants shared that they have already experienced working but only through referral. They have not experienced applying for a specific role in a company with job interviews and the like.  Thus, they appreciate the opportunity of having attended the session so that they will be guided in their future job application.

Perhaps starting is the hardest part in any journey. However, gaining support and skills aid through livelihood programs makes it easier for our street youth to strive for progress. Through the  livelihood programs , they were able to gain knowledge which they could use to make money for their needs. Moreover, these projects also help street youth to gain viable profit and provide for their families in the long run.

With the current issues that trigger problems for the poor, it’s easy for them to lose hope. But having groups like Childhope Philippines whose mission is to provide help for the poor gives a glimpse of hope towards change. Help more street children have a better future! Join our cause by sharing a bit of your time, effort, and knowledge. You may apply as ou rvolunteers o rdonate to create more livelihood programs for the wellness of street youth! Contact us today to learn more about us, or our Facebook page for program updates.

It’s a fact that many of us are affected by the crisis brought by the COVID-19. In fact, a recent study showed that around 3.44 million Filipinos are jobless in March 2021. With this, many of us have tightened our budget to support our daily needs. Nonetheless, public and private sectors push more livelihood programs to help ease the problems brought by poverty. This is due to the fact that there are sectors in our society that had already been undergoing this kind of hardship long before this pandemic arrived. Now, they are having a hard time more than ever.

In line with this, how does Childhope Philippines fulfill its role? Read on to know more about how Childhope supports out-of-school youth in moving toward progress.

What are Livelihood Programs?

Livelihood programs seek to improve the state of life of the low-income sector by giving jobs and business chances, health care access, and other forms of assistance. These programs aim to enhance community capacity to address the issues of poverty. It may be in the form of making laws and plans or giving skills training to help the people become more productive members of society. Other program leaders may also partner with both local and private sectors to reach more audiences and gather sponsors.

All in all, these initiatives give people a chance to share efforts to build their households, making them active agents of change.

What is a Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP)?

A Sustainable Livelihood Program, or SLP, is a community-based program that provides income-generating activities to low-income households. The SLP seeks to curb and ultimately reduce poverty by giving jobs and training to people, as well as by moving highly low-income households into a viable means of support.

In the Philippines, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is the office that runs these projects. They have been doing SLP since 2011 for local groups throughout the country.

Childhope’s Livelihood Programs

As a non-government organization, the mission of Childhope Philippines is to promote welfare, uphold, and protect children’s rights. The team conducts projects such as the Street Youth Empowerment Project (SYEP). Last July 31 and August 1, the volunteers were able to teach free dishwashing liquid making and meat processing for 18 street youth.

In this training, the street youth learned about the basics of food processing and liquid soapmaking. After the session, they were able to produce homemade frozen meat products such as pork siomai. Aside from that, they also learned how to cook the meat products well. These skills are vital to helping them start their own soap and meat business ventures.

This livelihood program seeks to share knowledge on low capital businesses which they could pursue in the future. Childhope also helped the children sell their finished products through their online fair last August 30 through their Facebook page.

Impact of SLP on the Street Youth

Perhaps starting is the hardest part of any journey. However, gaining support and skills aid through SLPs makes it easier for our street youth to strive for progress. Through the SLPs, they were able to gain knowledge which they could use to make money for their needs. Moreover, these projects also help street youth to gain viable profit and provide for their families in the long run.

With the current issues that trigger problems for the poor, it’s easy for them to lose hope. But having groups like Childhope Philippines whose mission is to that provide help for the poor gives a glimpse of hope towards change. Help more street children have a better future! Join our cause by sharing a bit of your time, effort, and knowledge. You may apply as our volunteers or donate to create more livelihood programs for the wellness of street youth! Contact us today to learn more about us or our Facebook page for program updates.

A joint program of the Childhope Philippines Foundation and the Asian Community Center  (ACC21) of Japan has produced its new batch of graduates of street youth who were once unschooled.

Following months in training in their chosen vocational-technical courses under Street Youth Empowerment Project (SYEP), 18 street youths are now certified TESDA specialists and ready for work.

SYEP Project Coordinator Amante, Childhope’s street educators, led the recognition of the graduates in rites at the organization’s headquarters in Paco, Manila.

"They may have missed out on schooling, but found hope on vocational-technical education through this joint program of ACC21," Amante said.

Meanwhile, the President of ACC21 and Japanese co-organizer of SYEP, Mr. Ito, expressed his congratulatory message to the participants through a virtual message. He salutes the perseverance of the street youth participants to finish their training despite the hurdles brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Because of the pandemic, there may not be enough employment opportunities as you wish. Yet, the pandemic may also pose the same difficulties to graduates of other schools such as high schools and colleges. I am sure that the values, knowledge, and vocational skills you have acquired through SYEP will be certainly of high value for you.” Ito said.

The two agencies partnered for the program to give a boost to vocational-technical training by making it within reach of youth students who could not continue their studies because of poverty.

Another highlight of the event was featuring the story of the former participant, Myla, who was able to apply what she learned from the program and now she is a successful online entrepreneur. By that, she already achieved her ultimate dream of having her own house.

Capping off the event, Ms. Salen, Childhope Program Manager, expressed her closing heartfelt gratitude to graduates for choosing to be part of the program as their second home. Aside from education, she also reminded the graduates to always carry with them the good values that the institution has instilled in them.

The event was also graced by the presence of Childhope Ph staff wherein everybody strictly and properly followed the health protocols such as all graduates were wearing face masks and shields all throughout the event, checked body temperature before the event, sanitized all the materials before and after the event, and strictly maintain physical distancing.

Watch the full video of SYEP Recognition Day on Youtube: Childhope PH Produces 18 Street Youths Voc-Tech Graduates

Links:

• Dishwashing Liquid Making | Street Youth Empowerment Project
• Embutido Making | Street Youth Empowerment Project
• Lumpianisa Making | Street Youth Empowerment Project

*Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the child. 

My name is Arnold, I am homeless 21 years old, and I am a survivor.

Way back before, the only means for us to survive from hunger was through begging money from other people. My mother was a helper in a public market near our place and my father was nothing and had been addicted to illegal drugs since I was 10 years old. At a very young age, I already had a notion in my mind that I needed to help my mother in providing food to the family. So right after school, I ran out to the streets of Quiapo and beg something from people while carrying my youngest sibling with my skinny shoulders.

But the most tragic point of my life was to start at age of 14 when my mother died because of her chronic lung disease. Due to loss and pain, I started not going to school and joined the legions of rebel youths who fend for themselves by robbing and pickpocketing. I also learned from them how to use, buy, and sell illegal drugs. 30 packs of cigarettes and bottles of beer every day were my norm for four years. After experiencing emotional and physical pain at a young age, I found solace in alcohol, which helped me escape my family reality and fit in with those around me. My addiction had already taken me by age 17 and eventually I was sent to jail. Yet the binges continued. I was in and out of the system for years, moving to different places, until I spent weeks in jail. It was during this time that I learned about Childhope Philippines and I finally admitted could no longer outrun myself.

I was ready to stop the cycle. I describe it as a moment of self-actualization: “I needed to change, I needed to do something, I wanted to get sober.”

How did Childhope Philippines help?

I finally accepted the power addiction had over me, I seek help from Childhope Philippines. With help from the Street Educators who challenged and motivated me, I realized that sobriety would be possible and that I could live a healthy and fulfilled life despite all that I had gone through.

While attending regular alternative education sessions, my days consisted of individual counseling, group discussions, and a bit of homework for self-improvement. Each of these activities not only taught me to speak about myself but to also learn about others. Childhope’s social workers, who were willing to speak with me at any hour of the day, helped me develop new habits that replaced the ones I had developed in the real world. But when I reached a point in treatment where it was time to transition from full-day treatment to half-day, panic set in. Unsure of how I would react to a less structured environment, I began to apply the skills I had learned from my Street Educators. As I began attending VocTech training, it became clear that I was ready for life. I have come a long way since receiving help at Childhope Philippines.

At present, after finishing the training on Food and Beverage Services, Arnold was lucky to get absorbed as an employee by the establishment where he engaged his on-the-job training and is now assigned in their newly opened branch in Angeles, Pampanga.  Although his original plan after the training is to study in college after passing the Alternative Learning System Equivalency Test (he passes the test last April 2019). But he decided to set aside it first and just proceed to his employment.  His decision is to allow himself to help first his other siblings whose currently under the care of a Christian church in Tayuman Manila.

“I’m so grateful that God used the Childhope to find me. I’m also grateful to the people who give their time and support so that I can have this wonderful opportunity”, Arnold said.

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