The Rose of Sharon House of Friendship is a boarding school run by CCT in Puypuy, Laguna. Opened in July 2009, it houses 28 Kaibigan children between the ages of two and twelve years old. Their parents are all part of CCT’s Kaibigan outreach program, based in Manila.
Most of the children were born on the streets and lived their whole lives there. Forced to eat food out of the garbage bins, they were never taught even the most basic life skills. “Most of the children were physically or sexually abused. When they arrive at Puypuy, they are angry and hostile, they don’t trust anyone,” said Mrs Evelyn Pantoja, the School’s Education Program Manager.
Every day they spend on the streets is damaging. Not only possibly physically, but mentally. Puypuy provides a safe place away from the streets and and begins the long process of rehabilitation. The school is designed to break the homelessness cycle.
They learn personal hygiene, manners and toilet training. CCT helps improve their health, teamwork and instill a sense of responsibility through a sports development programs and chores such as gardening and cleaning.
18 of the children are taught at the boarding school, undergoing the BLESS reading program where they learn English, or in the case of the toddlers, simple developmental activities. The other 10 children go to a local public school. A larger school and further accommodation for 200 will begin construction in January 2011.
Two ‘House Mothers’ live on the school’s grounds, looking after the children 24/7. Two other teachers, the school’s manager, cook and maintenance employees live nearby.
The children’s parents can visit and usually do so once a month.
“The change is amazing though, even after five months. Most of them now want to be pastors or teachers. When they arrived they wanted to be Police, so they could get revenge,” Mrs Pantoja said.
Janine, a typically healthy and cheerful nine year old at Puypuy said, “I want to be a missionary so I can reach out to other children like me.”
Dining area
Children's sleeping quarters
Administration Building
Classroom
Children singing during class
Staff quarters
Staff quarters
Teachers and students
Vegetable plot
