July 1-15, 2006 (including travel days)
Cost: $660 + Airfare + $75 application fee
The Need & the Ministry
The Republic of the Philippines sits in the southwest Pacific Ocean, off the mainland of Southeast Asia. It is composed of over 7,000 mountainous and volcanic tropical islands. The Philippines has good mineral resources, a thriving manufacturing industry and one of the world's greatest stands of commercial timber.
In 1946 the Philippines were granted their independence and became a sovereign nation. Class struggles from colonial times continue still, leaving a large gap between the poor and the elite. Lack of strong leadership has created anti-government groups that regularly kidnap tourists and hold them for ransom. The government continues to struggle with Muslim insurgencies in the south.
Food for the Hungry has been providing assistance in the Philippines since 1981.
The Details
Food for the Hungry (FH)/Philippines is assisting a total of 137 children in our Child Development Program (CDP) in the area of Pila, Laguna. CDP is a holistic program to assist children towards educational, social, spiritual and mental well-being. The vision for the child is to become independent young adults. This thrust cannot be done by FH alone, that’s why parents are being empowered to facilitate the development process of their children. FH carries out programs and activities to directly impact children, parents and local community leaders.
Pila, Laguna is approximately 85 kilometers from Manila. The ministry for this team is to come alongside the local people and help construct a mini library and the computer room which will greatly help the elementary and high school CDP and non-CDP students since the majority of the students have limited access to computers and library to do their assignments or research. Moreover the public schools where most students study does not have a library due to lack of funds from the government. Likewise due to limited rooms there are at least 60 students and an average of 80 pupils in each class. Construction of a structure to house the mini library and computer room will surely help these students because they will have a place conducive for studying, tutorials, research and also a safe place to keep the books donated by different people or organizations.
The team will also participate in a mini youth sports camp for kids, a specialized children’s day, and a customized home stay with a family living in Pila.
Spots available: 10 – 15
Apply by February 1, 2006
