INTRODUCTION

Educating the poorest of the poor has always been Kaibigan's top priority. Over the years, it has transformed the lives of thousands of impoverished children. Many alumni have succeeded beyond all their dreams and expectations. They found good jobs abroad and, in turn, were able to help their families back home. These graduates show us exactly how far poor but determined Filipinos can go once they have received the proper support and guidance and have reached higher education. Each year Kaibigan sends 350-400 deserving students to school, of whom around 50 attend college. They receive educational materials in the form of school supplies, uniforms, school projects and allowances as well as financial support.

Children’s participation is integral to Kaibigan’s approach. Kaibigan provides opportunities for children to assert their rights, to freely express their points of view and feelings, in fact to be closely involved in matters affecting their lives. Many children's activities, such as street plays (theatrical productions) children’s meetings, the production and distribution of IEC materials, training and seminars, are led by children, for children.

Kaibigan’s strategic orientation incorporates child protection into all its work. In doing so, it directly addresses many of the child rights enunciated in the 1959 UN-CRC (Rights of a Child).Kaibigan's child protection-related activities are focused on the prevention of abuse through up-to-date training, information campaigns and advocacy work. Kaibigan encourages community engagement and the establishment of women and children's help desks in partner communities. Another very important component of child protection is keeping children in school. All 350-400 Kaibigan beneficiary children are given regular academic and psychological support through such interventions as educational assistance, counselling, group processing, case management, school visits and community participation.

Community Organizing and the partnership between Kaibigan and its People’s Organizations (POs) are now central features of Kaibigan’s work in the 16 barangays in District 5 of Manila in which it operates. Thirty-four local leaders are now taking charge of their own communities by examining needs and comparing them to available resources. With this information, they plan how best to respond and assist their communities. They have learned to collaborate with LGUs (local government units), schools, NGOs, faith-based organizations and the private sector. Their responsibilities cover health, education, livelihood, training etc. This approach helps mitigate poverty and promotes community empowerment.

Kaibigan empowers its beneficiaries, especially women, so that they can become leaders in their communities. This involves taking charge of learning sessions, community organizing and advocacy.

Women community leaders are frequently given training and exposure opportunities which enable them to be more effective in community work. Community leaders are now performing more significant tasks than before, such as facilitating access to social services for health, education, socio-cultural activities and livelihood. Some community leaders act as help desk officers, receiving reports of abuse and helping survivors through counseling and referring serious cases to the authorities in the community. Community leaders/members also often occupy different positions in their communities, such as Barangay (Village) Peace and Order Committee, Barangay Council, Parent-Teacher Association, etc.