Street Children in The Philippines – Children of Lesser God

Deep within the streets of the Philippines are images of street children that usually go unnoticed or are just plain invisible to others.  Images that contradict to the perception of progress and development that to one they just simply don’t exist. 

These children are  oftentimes products of broken families, unwanted pregnancies and runaway delinquents from  abusive parents or relatives.  They are generally left off to fend for themselves in the streets and to provide most for their family living in squatters and shanties no one could ever imagine living in.  I have also gathered how vulnerable they are to society’s ill as  many of them get  involved with drugs and vices at a very young age.

Such is the story of Roger a 14 year old boy whom I have met  during one of his learning session for the alternative learning system headed by my wife.  As a drop out, Roger’s desire  to get back to formal school outweighs  his unfortunate position in society.  Coming from a broken family, Roger is the eldest among his siblings which puts a burden upon him to provide for a family of six.  

Exposed to the elements, by morning Roger goes to the streets with his wooden cart buying used bottles,  plastic containers  and old newspapers from neighborhood homes which he then sells to the junkshop earning enough to feed his family for the day. By afternoon he devotes most of his time attending his learning sessions hoping that someday he would be fortunate enough to earn a diploma and start a new life.

On our way to work or to the mall, we see them almost everyday yet hardly do we pay much attention to them.  There are many others like Roger and not many of them have the desire to help themselves.  Their lack of confidence and low self esteem serves the better part of them simply because they didn’t have any choice.

Government can do as much service for them but oftentimes most go back out into the streets again and again.  Has anyone really sat down and listen to their stories?  Sometimes serving the best of intentions doesn’t seem to be enough…

Please also read my article on Manny Pacquiao’s contribution to the Alternative Learning System.

“Manny Pacquiao – Boxing, Politics and The Alternative Learning System”