Poor Children in the Philippines
We provide a much-needed opportunity for the children of poor families to get out of poverty by obtaining an education. Their families have less than two dollars per day with which to survive, there is no money for anything else. Your donation will sponsor many a worthwhile child who without your assistance would not be able to continue in school.
Every year, thousands of young and healthy minds are going to waste in the Philippines because the families cannot pay the $25.00 per year for their children to stay in school. Filipino children that cannot attend school are compelled to work to help support the needs of their family. Close to a million Filipino youths work as garbage scavengers in public dumps. The working conditions are filthy and have serious effects on the health of those individuals. Other children work in farms and plantations, in dangerous mines, on streets, in factories, and in private homes as child domestic workers.
These children have jobs that place them in immediate physical danger. These risks include exposure to potentially harmful chemicals or sharp tools, and other dangers that may be less obvious but no less risky. Children are often forced to work long hours with few breaks, which takes a toll on their physical development. Others are abused by their employers, both physically and psychologically.
Many children come to the Philippine capital of Manila, with hopes of finding a better life. But like so many others before them, all they found were the realities of a harsh life and survival on the street without work. Within days they end up begging.
According to Amnesty International, over 50,000 children in the Philippines have been arrested and detained since 1995. Torture, rape and other forms of cruel and inhumane treatment are a part of everyday life for those children while they are incarcerated. Most are charged with minor crimes, such as petty theft, sniffing solvents and vagrancy. The estimated total number of Filipino street children varies. The figures range from a low 100,000 to a high figure of 250,000-300,000 nationwide. Of the 15+ million illiterate people in the Philippines 50% are children.
Can we please put a Stop to this Abuse!
We provide a much-needed opportunity for the children of poor families to get out of poverty and obtain an education.
In the Philippines your money will go further. We have always relied on a dedicated team of local volunteers, and an equally dedicated group of patrons; people like you who make a difference and change a child’s life. Thank you, thank you, and thank you!
Your gift can help the children by paying school fees; provide essentials like textbooks and school supplies. We never use our donations for overhead or expenses. Our offices are donated and we do not take a salary. The local unpaid volunteers lead the civic programs and understand cultural nuances and their needs the best.
We go to the small cities untouched by the large charities. We are helping the children where they already live.
We believe that world change begins with educating children. We are committing our attention on two key areas that will have the greatest impact: literacy and gender equality in education.
The Hesser Foundation a not-for-profit section 501 (c) 3 charity –
BRIDGE Registry #7986720915