In a heartwarming display of commitment to the future of Filipino children, ChildFund Philippines recently unveiled their ambitious plan to positively impact the lives of 5 million children and families by 2026. Announced during their “Connection for Impact” event, this initiative is part of ChildFund International’s larger goal of reaching 100 million children and families globally by 2030.
The event underscored the importance of collaboration across sectors, featuring insightful discussions from children and youth advocate groups including The Civil Society Network for Education Reforms, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, UNICEF, and the Psychosocial Support and Children’s Rights Resource Center. These organizations highlighted the urgent need for united efforts in creating a sustainable and secure future for Filipino youth.
Scaling Up for Greater Impact
Anand Vishwakarma, the Country Director of ChildFund Philippines, articulated the organization’s vision: “We aim to scale up our efforts to address the evolving challenges faced by Filipino children and youth. Together with our partners, we are driven by the urgent need to create broader and more sustainable impacts through collaborative efforts.”
In 2023 alone, ChildFund’s initiatives reached 21 provinces, 35 cities and municipalities, and 365 barangays. Working alongside 11 local partners, they supported a remarkable total of 54 million children, youth, and adults.
Holistic Support from Early Childhood to Adulthood
ChildFund’s approach is comprehensive, focusing on key areas such as education, health, skill development, livelihoods, child protection, and climate action. From ensuring that children under five are healthy and secure, to providing education that builds personal agency, and equipping young adults with skills for employment, the organization supports Filipino children through all stages of life.
Its Project Advancement of Children’s Inclusive Education through Virtual Engagement (ACHIEVE) has already made strides by supporting 610 learners with disabilities through virtual engagement and developing an e-learning platform that enhanced children’s participation. Additionally, neighborhood play programs have been established in remote communities to ensure early childhood care and development. The youth are also guided in making informed decisions about sexual and reproductive health, and through the Job Opportunity Building for Youth (JOB for Youth program), 396 young people have received training in industry and technopreneurship.
Empowering Youth in Disaster Preparedness
ChildFund’s Children and Youth-led Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CYDRM) program engages children and youth in disaster risk management and climate action, promoting their active involvement in creating safer communities. Project Relief Allocation Management, Distribution and Monitoring (RAMDAM) further enhances transparency in disaster relief through innovative, technology-based interventions.
How You Can Make a Difference
ChildFund Philippines launched the #FunOfAKind campaign, inviting everyone to contribute their “time, talent, and treasure” to support their programs. This campaign aims to:
- Provide inclusive education for indigenous children in BARMM through the Bajau Ongka-kumpit for Access and Transition to School (BOAT School) program.
- Enhance social and emotional learning and promote safe learning environments.
- Withdraw children from the worst forms of child labor.
- Engage youth in leading Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) initiatives.
- Advocate for the nationwide adoption of the RAMDAM disaster response app.
“The challenges faced by Filipino children are complex,” Vishwakarma emphasized. “By working together – government, businesses, non-government organizations, and concerned citizens – we can achieve far better outcomes for them.”
Get Involved
ChildFund Philippines offers numerous ways for you to get involved and make a meaningful impact. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, your contribution can help transform the lives of millions of children and families across the Philippines.
For more information on how to get involved, visit ChildFund Philippines.
About ChildFund Philippines
ChildFund Philippines is a dedicated NGO working to break the cycle of poverty for children and youth since the 1970s. As a program office of ChildFund International, they collaborate with 11 local partners across 20 provinces to ensure the safety, health, education, and skill development of children. Their advocacy includes the prevention of child labor and online sexual exploitation, alongside significant efforts in climate action to safeguard the future of the younger generation.
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