I have an obvious affinity to the Philippines having spent a considerable amount of time here. One can’t spend too long without becoming aware of the plight of the street children who are everywhere, from babies to teenagers. I think the final straw for me was when I was having breakfast outside with my girlfriend and a small girl – looking to be about 5 or 6 appeared at the fence with her hand out. My girlfriend gave her the remains of her breakfast which she sat on the pavement to eat until her mother (presumably) appeared with two sibling boys again looking about 3 or 4 years old, completely naked, and she shared the remains of the food with them.

It really was then that I felt that I wanted to do something I wasn’t sure what, but something. Its very common that when we (and most people) go to a restaurant, any remaining food is taken away in a “doggy bag” and given to street children or families on the way home. However this is merely a sticking plaster on the problem. There is no back-up for these kids and begging is the only way to get money for food and any other necessities and of course it makes them completely open to abuse of all sorts.

I therefore researched online for existing charities that deal with street children specifically and this week I visited the Cebu City task force at their drop in centre in downtown Cebu. I was welcomed and shown around and given a brief run down of their activities. They are a semi permanent refuge for children from 2 to 13 for boys and 2 to 17 for girls. Its not a large organisation, they have a capacity at this location for up to 50 children. They are fed and clothed and sent to school which they pay for as well as any medical needs they may have. As I have said, there is no back-stop, and if a child on the street is ill and they or any parents who are around, have no money they simply get more ill. If they are hungry they don’t eat.

The organisation is funded primarily by donation except for the top 7 employees who are sponsored and paid for by the local government. The building they occupy is free and a number of (mainly Chinese) businesses sponsor individual dormitories so administration costs are kept to a minimum. A large proportion of the money goes to 3 permanent house parents, food, clothing, schooling and medical care.

I am one who believes that charity begins at home and there is nothing wrong with that philosophy in my opinion and equally there are many places in the world where I’m sure people are even worse off. However, my intention is to start some fundraising to support this small charity and any amount that can be donated will I believe go to a very good cause.