For those who may not already know, I currently live in Davao City on the island of Mindanao, the Southern most island of the Philippines. Since moving here I have been feeding a small group of Lumad street children. (Lumads are the indigenous people of Southern Mindanao.) This group started out with just two young girls and an infant and has now grown to a dozen boys and girls ranging in age from less than one year old to seventeen depending on who decides to show up that day.

It is estimated that there are between 2000 and 3000 children under the age of eighteen living on the streets here in Davao City and from what I have observed that is probably accurate. There have been a couple of occasions in the past where I have had to abandon the children that I meet with each Sunday because other children observe me buying them lunch. This usually leads to chaos and in both cases security officers and employees of the restaurants had to help disperse the crowd of children and assist me inside the building until it was safe to leave. But most days things are peaceful. There have been several cases where the number of the group exceeds 30! The original group now meets me at the back entrance to the church I attend and we are able to avoid the others. This seems to be working pretty well so far.

I am aware that my feeding these children a decent lunch once a week is not helping them too much. It does, however, give them a decent meal which consists of Chicken, Rice, gravy, and something to drink along with an hour or two of fun and laughter which they rarely if ever get to enjoy. Their life is difficult to say the least. The children I have befriended live under a nearby bridge with countless others and have no parents to supervise them. They need to be taken off the streets and educated if they have any hope at a future. Feeding them is only treating one of the symptoms that they suffer from, but it is no way a cure. These children would like to go to school, but they do not have the means financially or the self confidence to do so. Unfortunately there are no government agencies or programs for children as there are back home in the states and only a very few street children are fortunate enough to be helped by the private sector including local churches and organizations.

I have a plan that I feel has a good shot at being successful for this small group I have befriended, but it will take some effort and a little bit of money upfront to make happen. First off, they need to all be examined by a physician as some of them have some obvious health issues before they can be housed or attend school. They will need to have housing which can be acquired by renting a couple of rooms at a local boarding house. Enrolling in school is free, however, uniforms, school supplies, and meals are not included. They are also in great need of better clothing.

I have researched and done the math and in order to get these children medical attention, housed, clothed, in school, and fed would initially cost around $2,800 (Only $233 per child). After the initial costs, there will be some on going expenses of around $300 per month for room and board which comes to only $25 per child. The priority and immediate concern however, is getting these children off the streets. Beyond reaching that goal I will be working on finding a few people who would like to contribute monthly to sponsor these children. Anyone interested is free to contact me at mindanaoproject@live.com

I would do this all myself, but I recently started another program that is giving recent high school graduates who want to further their education, but lack the financial means the opportunity to do so. I am providing employment with above average pay and their college tuition is free as long as they remain employed. Once this program starts generating income, the profits will then start going towards helping the children on the streets. This project is in it's beginning stages and will take some time before this goal is achieved. At this time I am paying for two of the employees to attend college out of my own pocket. Because of this and my initial investment in equipment and start up costs, I no longer have the means to assist the younger children at this time.

Even the smallest of donations can make a huge difference. $5 will provide up to 10 meals or can go towards purchasing 10 pairs of sandals!

I appreciate those who took the time to read this and if you are unable to contribute financially please keep these children in your prayers.