On Saturday the 6th of September, a group of GINila delegates visited a school run by the Philippine Christian Foundation. The significance of this building is emphasised by its location; it is built in the shadow of Smokey Mountain, a former rubbish tip that once housed 20,000 struggling families. Today, PCF is a safe haven for children born into the shanty town that sprawls across the docklands, a place where they are provided an education as well as food and security for their family. Despite this care, these children’s lives are threatened every year by the typhoon season that descends on Manila. Only a few weeks ago, PCF faced a major issue when 100 students found themselves displaced after their makeshift houses were destroyed by a natural disaster.
Natural disasters jeopardise PCF’s goal to educate impoverished children. Families who lose their shelter and are forced to relocate are less likely to continue funding their children’s education - instead, they would encourage them to contribute to the household income. Hence, PCF places a huge emphasis on natural disaster mitigation. In the aftermath of the last destructive typhoon, the school housed many students and their families in the building itself, as well as helping with the rebuilding of their houses. During the visit, GINila delegates learnt that PCF’s plans for the future include building a dormitory annex, which would act as a more permanent shelter for students and families impacted by natural disasters.
-Kavya D.
Natural disasters jeopardise PCF’s goal to educate impoverished children. Families who lose their shelter and are forced to relocate are less likely to continue funding their children’s education - instead, they would encourage them to contribute to the household income. Hence, PCF places a huge emphasis on natural disaster mitigation. In the aftermath of the last destructive typhoon, the school housed many students and their families in the building itself, as well as helping with the rebuilding of their houses. During the visit, GINila delegates learnt that PCF’s plans for the future include building a dormitory annex, which would act as a more permanent shelter for students and families impacted by natural disasters.
-Kavya D.