UNILEVER donates hygiene supplies to SDC

The local community of Bacolod City is increasing its involvement to support the most disadvantaged children. We would like to particularly thank UNILEVER corporation for its generous donation of hygiene supplies (soap, shampoo and toothpaste) addressed to the children of the Social Development Center (SDC) in Bacolod City. We would like to take the opportunity to thank the local organization, LEAD Volunteer, who has facilitated the donation process.
Thanks to UNILEVER's support, the SDC will be able to cover the hygiene supply for 50 children on a daily basis over a total duration of two months. We are hoping to maintain this partnership on a longer period of time.

The Alternative Learning System (ALS) is back!

Going to school and learning is one of the fundamental children's rights. The Republic Act 9155 and the Executive order n°356 define and institute a framework of governance for basic education in the Philippines. Today, 20 million children are enrolled in primary and secondary education, but two million will give up or fail, even though education is free in the Philippines. ¹

Children present in the SDC are out of school and it can have a very negative effect on their future lives, especially for those present in the center for a long term, such as Children in Conflict with the Law who have court cases. Teachers had refused to continue teaching in the center for security, hygiene and organization reasons in 2008. The children’s lack of educative follow-up since then has made their rehabilitation much more difficult.

Following the report from the Virlanie Human Rights Coordinator and in order to satisfy their needs and rights, HOST-NGO coordinated and facilitated the return of the Alternative Learning System to the SDC. On Friday 18th of January 2013, there was a launching ceremony for ALS. Two city counselors, the Assistant Superintendant of the Department of Education and community representatives (including a Barangay Captain) were there.

Starting in February, fifteen Children in Conflict with the Law will benefit from the classes of the two teachers, Jason and Carlito. An initial test will help to identify the education background of the children, in order to adapt the classes. The program will be divided into several modules, taught according to the educational level of the child. The objectives of ALS are to develop critical thinking, build communication skills, expand one’s world vision, etc.

In order to ensure the quality of the program, HOST-NGO committed to providing the educational material necessary (crayons, drawing books, rules, scissors, etc) and the classroom furnitures (chairs, tables, and whiteboard). The school year can start!

1 http://www.unicef.org/philippines/supportunicef_9857.html

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!