Goducate is partnering with the Department of Social Welfare Development in Laguna, Philippines, to conduct the Children’s Summer Activities for children in 15 villages who are “4P” beneficiaries.
The 4P (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) is a Philippine government program that aims to eradicate extreme poverty by investing in health and education, especially for children aged 14 and under. It is patterned on programs in other developing programs, such as the Oportunidades program in Brazil and the Bolsa Familia program in Mexico. The Department of Social Welfare Development uses a proxy-means test to identify families eligible for this program.
The program focuses on two objectives—social assistance through the provision of cash to address short-term financial needs, and social development through investing in building up the child’s capacity to break the intergenerational poverty cycle. The second objective is the same as Goducate’s..
The 3-day class with its theme “Enhance the Children to Better Face the Future” was designed by Goducate and approved by the regional authorities, who believe that it “It is better to build a child than to restore a man”. The lessons focus on the children’s responsibility in the family and society. It was designed for children aged 7-11. The topics covered range from responsible handling of garbage (such as where to dispose of garbage and how to segregate into the right cans for recycling and environmental friendliness) to respecting and being grateful to parents, the aged, and those who have helped them in any way.
The class will be repeated in every village. While the lessons are in progress the parents are kept busy preparing the meals.
