Letter to our generous friends & supporters

Dear friends and supporters,

We share the same dream of a world...

where all the communities would pursue a common goal...

where all the communities would reach out to one another...

where all the communities would understand and respect each other...

where all the communities would access the same benefits without discrimination nor exclusion...

That world is not so far away and we can reach it together!

2012 was a challenging and yet successful year for the Social Development Center (SDC). Along with the city's team, we had identified clear objectives to facilitate the promotion and respect of universally recognized rights for the children at risk in Bacolod City.

Throughout the year, the SDC successfully managed over 1,300 admissions of street children and children in conflict with the law. All the children were offered basic services to ensure their protection and well-being within the center, while facilitating the best community reintegration possible. The aid procedures have been reviewed to deliver fully adapted and effective support. These are focusing on the capacity of the team to assess and answer the different needs and opportunities of each child being taken care of.

Thanks to you, our friends and supporters, significant healthcare and education progresses have been accomplished. The SDC now provides access for all the kids to physical and psychological health support. The in-care program delivered by the SDC has been improved to guarantee decent living conditions.

An integrated activity and life-skills program has been formalized. The recent launch of an alternative learning system (ALS) at the SDC is a huge step and a incontestable sign of improvement. The education program emphasizes on the individual development of each child in order to prepare for her/his reintegration into the community. The legal support system has also been updated to fit the special needs and issues of each child, and better ensure their protection.

The situation slowly yet effectively evolves at the SDC. Nonetheless there are lots of remaining areas of improvement. The rehabilitation of the buildings will be initiated in a couple of weeks now thanks to the city's funds. The renovation will start with the children's sanitary facilities.

Critical support is still needed for the following areas:

- renovation and equipment of children's dormitories (beds, matresses, lockers...);

- renovation and equipment of the kitchen;

- purchase of music and video equipment dedicated to children's educational and recreational activities (music player, projector and screen...);

- other educational and activity supplies (books, notebooks, pens, artcrafts supplies, …).

Your loyal support is greatly appreciated and we are looking forward to sharing our success stories with you. On behalf of all vulnerable communities, we would like to thank you in advance for your contribution and we would be thrilled to welcome you in Bacolod, the City of Smiles!