OCTOBER 2023 – JUNE 2024
We're thrilled to share the latest updates from our journey over the past few months. It's been an incredible ride, filled with God's grace, growth, learning, and most importantly, making a positive impact on the lives of children and families who have been through traumatic experience. Here's a glimpse into what we've been up to:
Empowering Children and Families
Since our inauguration last October 12, 2023, we’ve had the privilege of serving nearly 250 children and their accompanying parents/ caregivers through a range of empowering activities. From November 2023 to June 2024, we hosted seven (7) Empowerment Camps, serving close to 130 children and their families/caregivers. These camps provide a safe and fun place for connection, playful engagement and healing.
Partnership and Collaboration
On June 11, 2024, we signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the University of Science and Technology Southern Philippines (USTP) Claveria campus for academic partnership.
Expanding Programs
On February 10, 2024, we launched our Happy Day-Out program, designed to provide a day of fun, creativity, and healing for children and their caregivers. Since its launch, nearly 50 children and their families have participated, experiencing the joy of music, healing spirituality, arts, games, and more.
Empowering Mothers
In a special initiative on February 10, 2024, we brought together mothers of survivors in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental, for training and support. This initiative aims to empower these incredible women to form their own support network, and foster strength and solidarity within their community.
Building Capacity
At Balik Kaanyag, we believe in the power of community-driven change. That’s why we’ve been actively training volunteers from churches and local communities. To date, more than 30 volunteers have been equipped with the skills and knowledge to support our mission, spreading hope and healing wherever they go.
Educating and Empowering Youth
Education is key to prevention, which is why we’ve been working tirelessly to educate young minds on the importance of preventing sexual abuse. On February 17, 2024, we conducted our first external training session on Safe & Unsafe Touch, reaching over 60 youth scholars and interns of Sinter Foundation. On March 25, 2024, we facilitated the same training for more than 50 high school students at Shekinah Glory Christian Academy, empowering them to protect themselves and others.
As we reflect on these accomplishments, we're reminded of the incredible impact that can be achieved when people respond to God's invitation to come together for the healing, restoration, and empowerment of vulnerable children. Thank you for being a part of the Balik Kaanyag journey, and we look forward to continuing this important work together.