Rights, Camera, Action !
Ten (10) kids from the Child Protection Clinic (CPC) on Wheels produced their own advocacy video on child labor, a very effective tool to advance the issues of children in their own communities. Most of the kids scavenge along Taguig junkyards after school to fill help augment their parents’ income.
This three-day workshop on video production and media literacy provided by the National Council on Children’s Television (NCCT) from May 4-6, 2015 taught the children participants to use media wisely and to always think twice on what they see in the social media in order to delineate reality from make-believe. The kids also learned the basics on formulating their story line and translate this into a short video clip using digital camera and a video editing software.
Drawing on their day-to-day life struggles, the CPC kids came up with a very interesting sequence for their 1-minute video clip. Some kids became the actors and actresses while others served as the director and camera man. NCCT trainors mentored them in video editing and the group garnered a satisfactory critique from the workshop facilitators.
Vicunians Read Along with Nikki Gil
Kiids from LVF’s Child Protection Clinic on Wheels in Bacood, Sta. Mesa Manila were touched by the story of a mother’s great love for her son, with Nikki Gil singing a lullaby portion of the story, moving some of the kids to tears. Teachers from Sophia School also read story about taking care of one’s personal belongings while professional readers from Ang Pinoy Storytellers and Adarna House read about the story of two siblings who learned to value sharing.
On their way home, the kids brought with them unforgettable memories of the fun-filled learning experience at the read along sessions, a back pack of school supplies with Jollibee treat from Zendesk Company and most especially, the significant lessons in life they will surely remember.
UNILAB 70th Birthday Gift
Representing LVF to receive the ceremonial check were its President Emeritus Sr. Felicidad M. Boado, FMA and Sr. Candy Carmen Balverde, FMA who is currently assigned as a Social Worker in its residential home for abused girls.
COMBATING CHILD LABOR THROUGH EDUCATION
With a view to strengthening the education system to address child labor, the consultative conference convened more than 45 delegates from the national and regional government offices of DepEd, DOLE, DSWD, DOJ, and TESDA; from labor groups – TUCP and FFW; the employer’s group represented by ECOP; and, the NGOs – World Vision, ERDA and LVF.
This was one of the national events of the Philippine Celebration of World Day Against Child Labor this year’s theme being as “No to Child Labor, Yes to Quality Education”.
LVF presented the actual experiences of child laborers in school and factors affecting their chances of completing basic education. One challenge is to keep child laborers in school until they finish their basic education, given the various reasons that pull them out of school such as bullying, stigmatization, lack of quality education. Another point raised was the increasing number of “inactive” youth or those who are NEET (not in education, employment nor training) who are likely to remain unproductive throughout their lifetime. Lack of quality education will produce graduates who are not competitive in the world of work , diminishing their chances of well paid employment and an inability to meet their families needs.
An important issue at present is the K12 where high school education will be increased by 2 years. Opinion was divided, some seeing the advantages for students and the country, others pointed out that increased financial burden to parents and that many would drop-out early without completing their high school diploma.
There was a strong stance to increase the return of investment of education so that parents will not see the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 as a burden but a way to bridge their children to productivity and self-reliance.
On the issue of child labor, the DepEd is committed to help in profiling child laborers who are in school and detect potential child laborers who are most likely to drop-out in order to reach out to them. Various alternative delivery modes (ADMs) within the formal school system were presented. Valencia National High School in Bukidnon gave a presentation on its school-led monitoring and referral system, highlighting the potential of the formal school system to combat child labor . However, this calls for building the capacity of local schools and soliciting the commitment of school heads in order to realize its potential.
LVF trains CPC kids on Life Skills
Selected kids from LVF’s Child Protection Clinic on Wheels – Bacood Area were given 2-days Life Skills Training last May 28 to 29 at the Laura Vicuña Technology Center in Sta. Mesa, Manila. These kids were selected from the participants of Youth Helping Youth (YEHEY) Camps as they showed leadership potential in running future child-led CPC learning sessions.
To prepare them for the task of giving the CPC learning sessions, LVF Social Worker Ms. Emy India, gave them guidance on discovering their strengths, weaknesses and personal value;, enhancing their self-esteem; and, enhancing their skills wrt communication, problem solving and decision making.
This training also serves as an initial preparation for the YEHEY (Youth Helping Youth) Camp 3 in August 2015 in partnership with Soroptimist International.
PH Vicunians’ Formation Camp in Negros Occidental
Starting their voyage with a morning mass the rest of their 18-hours trip aboard St. Michael the Archangel vessel was filled with formations sessions, dance rehearsals and music jamming on board. The kids were warmly welcomed by LVF Executive Director Sr. Marivic Sta. Ana, FMA who gave them a sumptuous lunch treat of grilled native chicken and garlic rice. Their stay was kindly accommodated by the Sta Ana family at their resort in Escalante.
The kids had so much fun in experiencing a small town fiesta celebration , visiting a lime processing plant and exploring the area; a big change from their crowded urban living environment. Sessions on leadership were held and facilitated by Sr. Phebe Lacse and Sr. Angie Quirante, FMA with two former Vicunians, Michelle Kimura and Charlene Tabunan.
A day of recollection was given by Fr. Palomo SDB to the Vicunians. Each day of their formation was started with a Holy Mass. They also had the opportunity to receive the sacrament of reconciliation. Sr. Phebe Lacse, FMA gave the rest of the formation sessions. The kids were given ample time to enjoy the resort too, sailing on mini boats and playing volleyball in the courtyard.
On the last day the PH Vicunians served as mass choir for the Flores de Mayo celebration in Hacienda Malihao, Victorias City. Before departing for Manila, a surprise visit to “The Ruins” in Talisay City gave an enchanting experience to the kids having learned about the love story behind the Taj Majal of the Philippines. Together with their packs of Negrense delicacies, they brought home significant lessons in life which they commited to share with their family and peers.