Impact Philippines, a new program in 2009, develops and empowers homeless street children, youth with addictions, and marginalized families to become productive members of society. Impact Philippines will work with the desperately poor building relationships, encouraging literacy, promoting hygiene and nutrition, establishing income-generating projects and facilitating drop-in centres.
Background: Philippines
With a long history of political instability and gradual loss of international competitiveness, the Philippines suffers from economic uncertainty and a poverty rate of 33.7%. Even with job creation in recent years, the ballooning young population is outpacing economic development. Sixty-five million people (80% of the population) live on less than $2 per day. One out of four Filipinos is hungry.
International Teams' Involvement
Under the direction of native Filipino, Andy Busa, International Teams organizes projects that meet people's basic physical needs (food, clothing, shelter) in several sites in the vicinity of Manila. Bible studies and vocational training and counselling are also offered.
The Rugby Boys - The Rugby boys are street children of Manila addicted to sniffing an industrial solvent called rugby. Often rejected by their families and driven from their homes, these boys are isolated and lonely. International Teams offers hope through spiritual direction, friendships, vocational training, and the opportunity to attend Bible studies and youth camps. Our goal is for these young people to become fully restored, valued members of their community.
Tender Ministry to Street Children - This project cares for street children by developing activities that build confidence and self-esteem, instill a sense of individual and family responsibilities, develop leadership and communication skills, and encourage healthy friendships. When possible, feeding is provided. Under-nourished children are monitored. Sometimes, at-risk children are put in the care of partner organizations that specialize in extra care.
Approximately 100 at-risk street children in the city of Muntinlupa are ministered to at the Alabang Drop-In Centre. Here a learning program for out-of-school youth and adults is offered. Also, the Night Life program teaches children about avoiding street gangs, drug addiction, prostitution, and child trafficking rings through Bible teaching, games, colouring and crafts. Families receive career counseling, basic medical care, discipleship for mothers, and youth and family camps.
Children of Crayons (Batang Krayola) - Every week, more than 100 impoverished children are fed both physically and spiritually. They are provided with nutritious food weekly and engaged with Bible teaching, music, games and craft activities. This project sponsors a weeklong Vacation Bible School in summer and an annual carnival.
In partnership with local churches International Teams provides medical and dental check-ups for families living in the slums of Manila. We also organize Christmas parties in which gift bags for hundreds of children and grocery bags for parents are distributed. It's the highlight of the year.
Dumpsite Compassion - The Cavite City dumpsite covers an area of 10 hectares and is home to 1000 people who make their living scrounging through the refuse. With our local partner, Jesus Christ Our Beloved Savior International Ministries (JCOBS), International Teams provides sewing skills training to mothers and young women who become more employable as a result. A feeding and literacy program serves children aged 5-8 who live at the dumpsite and have never been in school.
In the future, International Teams plans to focus on the Payatas dumpsite, home to approximately 10,000 families who scavenge daily for subsistence. Payatas came to the attention of the world in 2000, when a 22 metre mountain of garbage collapsed, burying hundreds.
Youth Mobilization Training for Youth Leaders - The goal of Youth Mobilization is to partner with 1,000 churches within 5 years. The focus is on providing youth leaders with tools and a venue for mentoring and discipleship, equipping and training, along with dynamic, hands-on evangelism in four key areas:
• Partnership with Churches• Training of Youth Workers to work with at-risk youth
• Training for Churches to reach out to their communities
• Sending Filipino church teams to minister to Filipinos
Impact Philippines
