These organizations are committed to providing the Filipino youth with better living conditions and more opportunities for a brighter future.
As national hero Jose Rizal once said, “The youth is the hope of our future.” In order to create a brighter tomorrow, it’s imperative that the Filipino youth are provided with comfortable living conditions and more opportunities to reach their full potential. Unfortunately, there are a number of children in the Philippines who don’t have access to basic necessities like nutritious food, good education, proper shelter, and a safe environment.
That being said, while the circumstances of these young individuals are harrowing, it’s more than possible to change them for the better. With the help of dedicated volunteers from a variety of organizations, everyone has a chance to make a positive contribution to the lives of Filipino children.
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If you’re looking for organizations to support, below are four with great advocacies and programs that are making a difference:
Casa Bantu
Casa Bantu is BANTU Philippines’ recently-opened community center, which is part of their initiative to provide holistic, multidimensional support for at-risk youth and their families. BANTU PH is a non-profit organization that has been empowering vulnerable youth through the art of Capoeira for more than 10 years.
Casa Bantu offers an assortment of programs designed to support key areas in young people’s lives like education, life skills development, job training, mentoring, and awareness building through community workshops. The youth of San Andres Bukid, Manila—their partner community—continues to inspire the organization with their strong aspirations to seek better circumstances for themselves and their families.
Some of the group’s programs include the “Capoeira4Change Program,” which runs seven classes for 50 children a week; the “BANTUSchool Program,” where up to 80 kids are given internet access, computers, and assistance from volunteer educators in Casa Bantu to accomplish their studies; and the “BANTU Leadership Academy,” which helped 21 young individuals take their first steps in the job market.
Those who wish to help fund the organization’s initiatives may do so in a variety of ways. One can become a regular donor for as little as $5 a month, which makes a big difference in the lives of the community’s children. One-time financial assistance, food and school supplies donations, and volunteering also come a long way in helping BANTU PH achieve their goal of ending all forms of inequality and poverty within their partner community.
If you’re interested in providing monetary assistance, you may do so through the organization’s Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/projectbantuph, or through bank and GCash transfers. For more information and updates, you can visit their official website at www.projectbantu.org.ph or follow them on Instagram @casabantuph.
Rise Against Hunger Philippines
Formerly known as “Stop Hunger Now, Inc.,” Rise Against Hunger is an international organization with locations around the world, including the Philippines. The charity aims to distribute food and other life-changing aid to nutritionally at-risk individuals.
The group has numerous programs to provide their target communities with access to safe, adequate, and nutritious food sources. Among these initiatives are their meal packaging events, where volunteers package hearty meals for those in need. Recently, the organization has been working to raise funds for a feeding program that would serve hot meals to 5,000 students during school days.
The organization’s other initiatives include dietary supplementation for underserved families (especially children) and the “First 1000 Days” program, which provides supplemental meals for pregnant or lactating women.
To donate and learn more about Rise Against Hunger Philippines’ programs and advocacies, you may visit their official website at www.riseagainsthunger.org.ph.
The Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education (CENTEX)
Ayala Foundation’s Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education (CENTEX) program aims to provide holistic and quality education to children from underprivileged families. The initiative cultivates their skills both in and out of the classroom, promoting competencies in other extracurricular activities like the performing arts.
As such, the organization trains teachers to hone students’ critical thinking and IT skills through appropriate classroom pedagogy. CENTEX has also collaborated with a number of partners such as the Department of Education, City Government of Manila, and Globe to help further their program’s goals.
As of 2022, the group has established program sites in many locations around the Philippines, including the city of Manila, Batangas, Cagayan de Oro, Aklan, Negros Occidental, and Basilan, among others. What’s more, they’ve been able to train 1,680 public school teachers and enroll 1,206 students in CENTEX Manila and Batangas alone for the school year 2021 to 2022.
To donate and learn more about CENTEX and Ayala Foundation’s other programs, you may visit their official website at https://www.ayalafoundation.org/. You can also email [email protected] to find out how you can volunteer for their programs.
HOPE Worldwide Philippines, Inc.
HOPE Worldwide Philippines is a non-profit, non-government, faith-based organization that’s been offering aid to underserved youth since 1993. The group’s main goal is to provide a child welfare and protection system to Children in Especially Difficult Circumstances (CEDC).
As such, HOPE offers a wide range of support services for education, health and nutrition, and safety during disasters, to name a few. At the heart of the organization is its caring full-time staff, partners, and volunteers, who work tirelessly to provide assistance to children and families experiencing arduous circumstances.
Among their many protection services is their residential care program, which provides temporary shelter to abandoned, abused, and neglected children. They also have a treatment and recovery program, which provides clinical and psychological assistance to youth who’ve experienced different forms of sexual and physical abuse.
HOPE Worldwide Philippines accepts donations through Paypal and bank transfer. What’s more, any donations, gifts, and contributions given within the taxable year can be fully claimed as a tax deductible, since the organization has been accredited by the Philippine Council of NGO Certification.
To donate and learn more about HOPE Worldwide Philippines’ programs, you may visit their official website at https://hopeworldwideph.org/. For updates, you may also follow their Instagram @hopewwph.
Banner Photo by Aaron Burden via Unsplash.
