A project brought to life! Study centre for street children in Cebu

What is the reality for many children in Cebu?

In the bustling streets of Cebu, poverty tightens its grip on countless children, stealing their right to education and the hope of a brighter future. According to early figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority, some 240,000 children live on the streets nationwide, with many of them in Cebu City alone. Among them, some 5,000 children aged 18 or under wander the streets, driven into theft, begging or even exploitation. Abandoned, orphaned or neglected by families crushed by poverty, most come from Cebu City itself or from surrounding towns and provinces.

What is being done to address the problem?

To address this urgent need, the Philippine Augustinian community, through the Santo Niño de Cebu Augustinian Social Development Foundation (SNAF), has run the “Kan-anan ni Ninio” initiative since 2016, a food support programme for street children. This weekly soup kitchen provides essential nourishment while also nurturing hope, guiding children away from life on the streets and helping to reshape their mindset and values. Yet facilities and resources to help these children learn, enjoy childhood and stay safe are still desperately lacking.

Amid this harsh reality, a spark of hope emerges. Recognising the untapped potential of street children, Children of the Mekong, in partnership with SNAF, has embarked on an ambitious mission: the Street Children Study Centre project.

How is the project beneficial?

The project serves a carefully chosen group of 30 children, providing consistent support and personalised care designed to address the specific challenges faced by street children.

The centre provides a dedicated learning space, designed to foster focus, develop knowledge and offer daily academic support.

A secure storage space has been set up to keep school supplies organised and readily available for educational activities and daily support for the children.

The centre also features a quiet rest area, giving children a safe and peaceful place to unwind, which is vital to their wellbeing and day-to-day stability.

Project progress

IMPLEMENTATION

Near the Basilica of Cebu, a building was chosen to give children a safe and welcoming place. Renovations have made it secure and created areas for toilets, rest and a study zone, fully equipped to support learning. For children whose daily lives are often uncertain, this stable environment has become a vital anchor.

MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS

Management is carried out through two complementary roles. A Project Manager oversees overall implementation and ensures smooth coordination with SNAF, while a Program Manager is present daily to support the children, organise activities and supervise volunteers. Open from Monday to Saturday, the centre offers a consistent presence and a stable framework for learning.

ACTIVITIES

Each day, the children enjoy a variety of activities, from tutoring and homework support to educational games, hygiene workshops, shared meals and snacks, group play, and moments of rest. The programme is designed to provide structured care that nurtures their learning while promoting both their physical and educational well-being.

SUPPORT AND FOLLOW-UP

The project is carefully monitored. Every three months, a project coordinator and a team member of Children of the Mekong assess its progress, fine-tune activities, and identify new needs. This regular follow-up ensures that the children receive the support they need to grow, learn, and develop.

EARLY ACHIEVEMENTS

Since it opened, the centre has transformed the children’s daily lives. Their hygiene has improved, they attend school more regularly, and spend less time on the streets. In a calmer and more stable environment, they focus better, join in activities with confidence, and interact more positively.

THE CHILDREN SUPPORTED BY THE PROJECT

The centre currently supports 12 children under the age of 13, all supported by SNAF. Keeping the group small ensures each child receives personal attention and care. In this stable and supportive environment, they learn essential skills, practise good hygiene, and follow healthy daily routines, gaining confidence and laying strong foundations for the future.