This project will help: 100 children in Kabasalan, Philippines
Child development centre: PH2213, Great Shepherd Child Development Centre
Kabasalan is a rural community of nearly 47,000 in the Philippines, where many children are growing up in poverty. Most caregivers work in subsistence farming, animal herding, fishing, domestic services, day labour or street vending, earning the equivalent of just $36 per month. Flu viruses and other tropical diseases are common, and some children suffer from malnutrition. However, families living in poverty cannot afford to pay for medical care, sometimes resorting to indigenous “faith healers” instead.
Many children are also growing up in unstable homes, suffering the effects of domestic violence and substance abuse. Several local schools in the area have transitioned to online or hybrid learning during the pandemic, leaving behind those who can’t access the technology needed to continue their studies at home. This community is also prone to typhoons and severe flooding, which can decimate livelihoods and leave families in dire poverty.
But the local church in Kabasalan has a deep desire to reach out to their community with the transforming gospel of Christ and respond to some of the most pressing needs of children.
By opening a child development centre, children will have access to health care and will receive supplementary food as needed. Through your support they will also have the opportunity to go to school and receive vocational training, age-appropriate Christian teaching and discipleship, as well as education on important topics like health, hygiene and how to form healthy relationships. Along the way, they will also receive personal attention, guidance and love from caring members of the Christian community.
Real and lasting change happens when children are developed to become the adults who will create change in their community. In Compassion’s program, children learn they are loved, develop hope for their future and realize that God wants to use them to help others. These children grow up to be givers and leaders in their community.
Help children build a new future free from poverty and full of promise by launching a holistic children’s ministry!
Children’s ministry launch
Help a church in the Philippines open a holistic child development ministry.
Church name: Kabasalan Christ Centered Fellowship
Community information: Kabasalan is a rural, flatlands community in the Philippines of 46,884 people. Most caregivers work as animal herders, day labourers, subsistence farmers or petty traders. Most families make about C$36 a month, but four per cent of the population are unemployed. Homes are made of corrugated metal roofs, brick or cement walls and cement floors. The main diet is bananas, beans, egg, fish, pork and rice. Most people practise a mixture of Catholicism and traditional superstitious beliefs. There is also a small Muslim population. While evangelical Christians are a minority, churches are active in spreading the gospel and want to see people become true disciples of Jesus.
What is provided through this gift:
- Centre staffing
- Staff training and salaries
- Child registration and caregiver orientation
- Community baseline survey
- Initial caregiver meeting
- Camera and mobile phone
- Administrative equipment and supplies
- Office computer and printer
- Office supplies