MANILA, Philippines – Eleven participants of Childhope Philippines’ Vocational – Technical Skills Training Project graduated along with other youths from Manila Manpower Development Center (MMDC), December 10, 2018 at the Bulwagan ng Maynila in Manila City Hall.
Nearly 300 graduates attended the ceremony and received their certificate of accomplishment.
The VocTech Project, a partnership between Childhope Philippines, ACC21 and Citi Philippines aims to provide opportunities for better employment among out-of-school-youth, ages 16-20 years old, living and working in the streets of Metro Manila.
The said participants trained on food and beverages services, massage and wellness, and basic grooming and cosmetology. They have completed 6 months training with subsequent on-the-job training in one of the known hotels in Manila.
JayJay Masa, a 20-year old project participant, was emotional during the ceremony while watching his fellow graduates receiving their certificates.
“Sa loob ng naranasan kong hirap at sa pagtitiyaga ko, mayroon kami napatunayan na mayroon pang pag asa para sa amin,” Masa said during the interview. (With hard work and patience, we have proven that there is still hope for us.)
“Halos lahat po ng trabahong kalye ay nasubukan ko na. Mahirap po dahil hindi permanente ang ganun trabaho. Minsan kulang pa kinikita namin para magkaroon ng makakain. Kaya malaking tulong po ang VocTech para sa amin. Magkakaroon na po ng maayos na trabaho para sa amin na matatawag namin tunay na propesyon,” he added. (I think almost of the street work I know, I have already tried. It’s really difficult because the work is not permanent. Sometimes we do not earn enough to have something to eat. VocTech is a great help for us. We will have a chance for a better that we can call a real profession)
Meanwhile, Manila City Mayor Hon. Joseph Estrada and the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) head Ms. Nenita Tanyag graced the ceremony and provided some loot bags for all the graduates.
“You are about to encounter new and different challenges. You have developed skills, both academically and in trade. You have matured, and you have what it takes to move forward in whatever directions you choose,” Ms. Tanyag told the graduates.
Under the Vocational-Technical Skills Training Project, street children are taught to live independently and responsibly. They attend sessions on values, skills for life, and financial education. They undergo on-the-job training and practice the value of saving.
Childhope Philippines, ACC21 and Citi Philippines aim to raise street children’s confidence and character. The street children are able to support their family needs, while also working on their goals and achieving their dreams.
“Gawin nating instrumento ang kasalukuyang katayuan natin para maabot natin ang kanya-kanyang layunin natin sa buhay.” (Let us use our present state as an instrument to reach for our future goals in life.)
These were the words of Ms. Lovi Poe as she gives an inspirational talk to the street children participants and guests during Childhope Philippines’ MusiKalye 2018: A Showcase of Talents by RockEd-Mobile Music School Participants, held at Adamson University, November 17.
Ms. Poe is revealed during the event as the organization’s newest Ambassador of Hope, taking on the personal advocacy and commitment to help uplift the lives of street children through campaigning for children’s rights, especially for education, health and welfare.
“Marami na po akong na kilalang tao mula sa iba’t ibang antas ng pamumuhay, na natalikuran ng pag-asa. Ngunit ang Childhope ay nandyan upang (muling) buhayin ang pag-asang iyon,” she added. (I have known people from all walks of life who have lost hope. Childhope is here to bring back hope in their lives.)
She says she is very happy that with Childhope Philippines, she found an organization with the same principles and advocacy as hers.
“We are very humbled and honored to welcome Ms. Lovi Poe to the Childhope Philippines family as our Ambassador of Hope. She is truly an inspiration to the children, and she has been actively doing charity works and advocating for children’s welfare with us for the past few years,” said Dr. Herbert Quilon Carpio, Executive Director.
“She never had any second thoughts when we asked her if she would be our ambassador. She believes in our mission and her heart goes out to the street children,” added Ms. Mylene Lagman, the organization’s Resource Mobilization and Communications Manager.
Ms. Poe ended her speech reminding the children not to lose hope because people who faced hardships in order to achieve their dreams are the ones who have good life stories to tell.
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Childhope Philippines continuously provides skills training to the underprivileged youth and their families to enable them to earn for independent living and provide a sustainable pathway out from staying and living on the streets.
Under its banner program, the Street Education and Protection Program (STEPP), the Vocational - Technical Skills Training Project for street youth gives opportunities to develop their skills, build their character and confidence, in the hope of finding a decent job to earn income to support themselves and their families.
Moreover, the goal of this project is to tap local experts in different skill areas which are in demand in the community. Among them are car washing, hotel and restaurant services, housekeeping, massage therapy, and cosmetology.
Recently, a training on silk-screen printing was conducted wherein 14 number of street youth participated. Facilitated by Mr. John Baybayin, one of Childhope’s street educators and Voc-Tech Skills Trainer, the silk screen printing course introduced a new skill to the participants, which will enable them to earn money.
“Aside from sharing my expertise to them, I want them to learn the importance of what they are doing. It is important that they derive inspiration to persevere from their own families, and for themselves.” Baybayin said.
“These children do not have the opportunity to enter or finish school. That’s is why Childhope pursues this project, because we see that it will be a great help for them to find a good and decent job. And if they find good jobs, they can help their families. The important thing here is that they find their purpose in life. They make their passion their profession,” said Allan Bantasan, Voc-Tech Skills Training Project Coordinator.
All efforts made by Childhope for the street children are visible and sustainable. Childhope envisions a world where street children can reach their full potential so they could get the life they wanted and able to inspire others as well.
March 25, 2018--Despite the difficulties in life, Ricky and Pauleen managed to continue their studies and eagerly shared one big milestone in their lives: earning that formerly elusive college diploma.
Childhope Philippines organized the Moving Up and Recognition Ceremony March 25, held at the Asian Social Institute, Manila to recognize the educational achievements of street children under the organization’s Educational Assistance Program. Students range from elementary, junior high school, senior high school, and college. Twenty- seven (27) street children were awarded certificates of recognition and medals for excellence in academics during the ceremony.
The highlight of the said event was the sharing of personal stories of the two college graduates, Ricky and Pauleen, as they reveal the key elements to their success.
Ricky completed his studies at Access Computer College and Technology with a degree in Information Technology while Pauleen finished her studies with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at University of Manila.
“At this point in my young life, I must have realized that the key to a brighter tomorrow is education. And I thank my hardworking and loving parents, supportive friends, and Childhope for giving me the opportunity and support to get a chance for a better life through education. I am deeply grateful to the EAP sponsors, and most especially to our Almighty God who inspires and guides me to reach my dreams,” Pauleen said.
Meanwhile, Ricky became emotional during his speech because remembered all the good and bad experiences in his life’s journey, “Halo halo yung naramdaman ko. Masaya at hindi makapaniwala na nakatapos ako ng college (I had mixed emotions. I was happy, and I could not believe that I finished college).”
Ricky’s top priority after graduation is to find a decent job so he could provide a better life for his family. He also plans to gain more skills related to his profession and acquire more knowledge in web, fashion and interior design.
On the other hand, Pauleen has just recently secured a job as management trainee for a well-known coffee shop in Metro Manila.
“We are very proud of the achievements of our scholars. And we thank our partners who have supported us to help them reach for their dreams. They will now serve as role models to the other street children under Childhope’s wing,” said Ms. Lorna Salen, one of the Program Managers of Childhope’s Street Education and Protection Program.
The event was also graced by the presence of some of the program's sponsors and other former graduates who have been part of the program.
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