Project Taytay, Manila
Star of Hope is currently running a school in Taytay, Rizal, a shantytown located just outside Manila in the Philippines. Every day over 2000 pupils attend school from primary to high school. The need for education is high in this poor area where Hope Star has worked since 1989.
In school the children are taught reading, writing, English, Filipino/ Tagalog (the language spoken in the country), Christianity, natural science, mathematics, computer science, physical education and crafts. They are also encouraged to think independently. The school offers the children who come from difficult situations an opportunity to stay in a clean and safe environment where they have time to play and just be children.
Education and Health Care In addition to an education, children get basic health care at the school from a dentist and a nurse who make regular visits to the school. Knowledge about how to manage their personal hygiene is also included in the children's daily routine, since the majority come from a dirty environment that lacks running water and sewers. The school has 42 teachers, two janitors, a principal and an administrator. The personnel working at the school are enormously dedicated and work hard to create an enthusiasm in the children and young people to fight on despite their tough background. Thanks to their hard work, many students continue on to higher studies at the University.
Coming From a Poor Environment
Most children come from a poor family living in a shanty. In the slums people live in difficult circumstances; in cramped shelters they built with things they have found, sheet metal and plastic bits. In the slums there are usually no schools, health care, electricity, garbage collection, or other social services. In order to survive and provide for their children, the parents have to work hard. The school provides the children's parents, who are often single, a safe place to leave their children during the day so they can work. The children are in a secure location when parents work rather than drifting on the streets in an uncertain environment of violence and crime. In this manner we help reduce the number of "street children".
By giving support to and helping in the development of a child's life and their prospects, you are helping to develop an entire society! The children are our future!