As an International Non-Governmental Organization dedicated to pushing child rights, Educo Philippines crafted new approaches to continue instilling in the minds of the children their rights to live a life of dignity.
The month of November symbolizes an important season for Educo Philippines as it joins the celebration for National Children’s Month (NCM) spearheaded by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and National Youth Commission (NYC).
This year’s theme “Breaking the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines” which strongly focuses on ending violence against children.
Educo Philippines participated in several activities to popularize the said advocacy in favor of the children.
A child leading her fellow children
On November 9 in Camalig, Albay, Marinhel Cha, one of Educo’s Child Representatives, led a meaningful moment by leading the recitation of Panatang Makabata, a pledge where the children reaffirmed their commitment to uphold and protect the rights of children, stand against violence, and contribute to building a safer environment for all.
Marinhel facilitated a “kumustahan” (check-in) session, allowing 40 children to share their insights and reflections after participating in various discussions and activities in an engaging day sponsored by a regional sub-committee of CWC in partnership with Educo.
It served as an opportunity for them to voice their thoughts on what they have learned and feel which opened a safe space for dialogue where they connected to one another and reflect on their shared experiences.
Learning through play
On the same date, 150 children from CALABARZON (a region in the Philippines) engaged in several play activities in Dasmarinas Activity, as the Philippine Play Coalition, a network of child-focused organizations, conducted this year’s National Play Advocacy Week dedicated in highlighting the right of every child to play, and its importance to their holistic well-being.
Educo Philippines brought in a game to teach young ones more values through an engaging and fun game called GUESStures, a charade-type of game where words to be guessed are extracted from the rights and responsibilities of the children.
Weeks after this was re-echoed in partnership with the Department of Education in line with the National Student’s Day where 115 learners were immersed in different play sessions, too. This has also served as the pilot testing for Educo Philippines’ research survey on Child Well-being.
Blue for EVAC
Ending Violence Against Children (EVAC) is one of the advocacies Educo Philippines is rallying and fighting for. In one of the Fridays of November, Educo’s workforce wore shades of blue to join the solidarity in stopping all forms of violence experienced by children in the Philippines and around the world. Educo is working to have a world where every child can live free from any type of abuse.
A world of dignity for children
Marlon Villanueva, Country Director for Philippines shares his message for the 32nd celebration of National Children’s Month.
“We hope to decrease the numbers of abuse and end violence against children,” the country director said as he hopes for children to live life fully with their rights.
Villanueva ends his message anchored on Educo’s vision. He said, “We want a world, country, community, and household where children’s lives are dignified.”
