Intracare has been active with Young Focus in the Philippines for 14 years, supporting them in their fantastic work. We visit the Philippines regularly for business. This time we paid them a visit for a look behind the scenes.
By minivan (a Jeepney) we headed towards Young Focus in Manilla. A journey that revealed the harsh living conditions which deteriorated along the route.
Day one, our destination was the district Tondo to visit Temporary Housing. Among piles of rubbish, we passed the sweetest and most spontaneous people. A day on which it became immediately clear why Young Focus' presence is very much needed and welcome. We met a mother of a Young Focus employee, a sweet woman who proudly showed us her house in permanent housing. An 'upgrade' compared to Temporary Housing, but lacking space and privacy eitherway.
We visited the Old Smokey Mountain, a green overgrown mountain that is in fact a rubbish dump. The place is full of working and living people. Housing is not allowed here, for which the government has built Temporary Housing as a replacement. Still, some huts can be seen again.
We ended the afternoon at Young Focus, to have a chat about the visit. The contrast between a beautiful experience and the eye-opening circumstances we saw was impressive.
The next day, we joined a school class with the YoUNgLi. These children dropped out of school and are the most vulnerable teenagers, often spending the day sniffing glue. Thanks to Young Focus, they are going back to school! A great group of children, but we are surprised to hear their ages. Due to poor nutrition, some of them look like they are 10 instead of 16. The children are creatively engaged in the classes, but job application talks are also rehearsed.
There were also some parents of the children present. Young Focus focuses on educating and helping them. Because it is important that parents also can encourage their children to go to school.
In the evening, we ended with a development program, where some of the old students visited and talk about their journey at Young Focus and what careers they have now. Impressive stories with beautiful outcomes.
After a day's rest, we visited the Child Care Centre in Tondo. This is the project Intracare supports. Here, children between 3 and 5 years old attend classes. Sing songs, listen to stories, learn writing, and drawing. A lovely group of sweet, active, and enthusiastic children, making you almost forget where the children live. So when we walk outside, we step straight back into that reality.
The final day ends with a colorful evening at the Student Centre. Plays, singing, dancing, and all with homemade costumes and decorations. Tasting Filipino street food was also featured. Finishing with some Dutch singing and dancing by the Snollebollekes with 'Links Rechts (Left Right)', with which our Moniek got the Filipino students dancing.
Time flies! How quickly this week went by, and how much we saw and experienced. The respect we have for Young Focus, their team, and what they accomplish has only grown.
Prior to this experience, we, as Intracare and employees, handed Young Focus a cheque to support this organisation. Everything we have seen and heard boosts the desire to improve the quality of live more. We are proud to contribute to this as team Intracare.