To help more street children to help themselves

The reporting period covers the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2022-2023, wherein the target for this implementation period would be 20 youth participants; however, during the implementation period in identifying youth enrollees- nearly 23 youth were identified for referral in the project- but unfortunately only 12 youth attended the general orientation, due to conflict schedules of some and unable to attend the orientation- however, those who did not attend the orientation were scheduled during the first session under the Skills for Life.

I. Orientation of the Project Bamboo

Only 12 youth participants attended the November 18, 2022 orientation at Museo Pambata, where the policies and guidelines for project implementation were discussed. As part of the project's policy, they also completed their profile and signed their commitment waiver. Their designated teachers or social workers were also signed as support and counterparts to assist in the monitoring and progress of our youth participants.

II. Skills for Life Sessions

The Skills for Life sessions are part of the preliminary activities, in which the street youth participants were taught how to familiarize themselves and communicate effectively with one another through various topics, as well as guided sessions on exploring their journey to self-learning and understanding their strengths and weaknesses.

Furthermore, these sessions allowed participants to freely share their personal life experiences while also learning from others. "Self-awareness," "Interpersonal Relationships," "Critical Thinking and Problem Solving," and "Conflict Resolution, Coping with Emotions in a Positive Way" are the main topics covered in sessions.

The SFL sessions also reminded the street youth participants of how they can prepare for any life challenge while remaining strong, firmly, and peacefully living their own life with their family. They were able to openly share their life experiences and challenges as a result of their realizations.

Only 15 street youth attended and completed the six sessions of Skills for Life, which took place from December 1 to 5, 20223 at Museo Pambata in Manila.

III. Financial Literacy

This session focused on how to budget their income and expenses wisely, as well as how to save money in order to have their own savings. These sessions were held over two half-day sessions, and 14 street youth participants completed the Financial Literacy sessions successfully.

During the sessions, some of the street youth shared their experiences with saving money, but they admittedly did not know how to track their earnings. So, during the sessions, the facilitator also discussed the myths and facts about savings, reminding them that saving and investing are still important.

IV. Entrepreneurship

This Entrepreneurship session included 13 youth participants who learned about topics such as Business Management Strategy, How to Make a Business Plan, Marketing 101, Online Platform Marketing Strategy, and how to understand the benefits and drawbacks of running a small business. The main goal of this session is to emphasize the significance of doing business and how it can generate income.

The discussion took place in the form of a workshop, allowing the youth participants to interact with their peers. The facilitator also talked about how to create an effective business plan. However, the street youth expressed that creating a business plan is difficult, especially if they do not have enough money to get started. This is where the topic of microfinance institutions was introduced, as well as how they can use their services to start their own businesses.

V. Values Formation

Ms. Pana facilitated the session, which was held in a full-day training that combined the two groups of participants to avoid conflicts in schedule particularly for those who are still working while participating in the project. A total of nine youth participants attended the values formation session held at the Childhope Foundation headquarters. The session covered spiritual and relational values toward others, family communication, and developing moral values and right behavior. The youth participants noticed how important the values session was, where the facilitator discussed the importance of humility and faith in depth.

Following the session, the street youth participants enjoyed the short Christmas program organizd by Childhope Philippines. They felt more Christmas spirit because there was a gift-giving activity which Childhope’s corporate volunteers prepared some items and groceries for them. The Christmas celebration is very timely and relevant in their values formation session, emphasizing the importance of humility, forgiveness, and sharing.

Plans for next quarter:

• MMDC Facilities will be open for the next fiscal year for the next batch, and we will coordinate their training facilities to ensure upgraded changes and policies.
• YEG Plan for the coming year 2023- activities and schedule for discussion and coordination for potential training, with a focus on the KDCI organization and ACTION.
• Coordination (update) to our PSIs to confirm and communicate the most recent update to those youth who have not attended the previous series of learning sessions.

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The future of the Philippines can be bright through the empowerment of our youth. As an NGO for youth in the Philippines, we are striving to continuously run and create programs and activities that will motivate and teach our youth on how to be greater. You can help too! Donate today and help us empower the Filipino youth to make our country a better place.