Philippines

Relevant SDGs

This story meets one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals from the United Nations.
This story meets one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals from the United Nations.

Library’s outreach programme provides growth opportunities to street children

According to research based on 2017 data gathered by the Government of the Philippines and UNICEF, it was found that Filipino children face deprivations and vulnerabilities that impede their development. One key finding is that marginalised children such as street children, indigenous children and children with disabilities are more likely to experience poverty, social discrimination and deprivation of services including school access. An estimated 2.85 million Filipino children aged 5-15 are not in school.

According to UNICEF, the Philippines has come a long way in addressing barriers and causes that impinge on children’s rights. Enactment of important legislation, improvement of children’s services and more accessible venues for children’s participation are some of the milestones that have advanced children’s health and well-being in the country. The government in partnership with an engaged civil society and with corporations employing child-friendly business practices are increasingly coming together to help children reach their full potential.

The National Library of Philippines (NLP) is providing services to support some of the most vulnerable and marginalised children. The NLP building is located just at the side of Jose Rizal Park or Luneta Park which serves as a ‘home’ for street children and out-of-school youth. In July 2017, in collaboration with the Library Renewal Partnership and 70 Degrees of Change Foundation, the NLP launched the Book Cart programme to provide access to books and learning materials to children and youth directly in the park. In the first three months of operation, the Book Cart reached more than 230 children.

The programme promotes reading and learning by providing storytelling and read-aloud sessions along with other activities such as arts and crafts. Children also receive instruction on proper grooming, good hygiene and socialisation. In partnership with other NGOs, food, hygiene kits, learning materials and other basic items are also distributed.

The NLP Book Cart is at the park at least twice a week. The activities/sessions last for 2-3 hours and include time for children to browse and read books on their own. Every Book Cart session hosts from 10 to 30 children; many of them have become regular beneficiaries of the programme and have learned to appreciate and enjoy books and reading.

Parent testimonials show that interest in books and reading has developed as well as interest in attending school. Programme evaluations show that participants have improved language and reading skills which were useful as they integrated back into a school environment. In addition, park guards have observed that children and youth have begun to follow park rules and are now more respectful both to each other and the environment.

In partnership with the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC), the NLP Book Cart continues to support youth and children, and post-pandemic will resume its regular activities in Luneta Park.

Contributor: National Library of the Philippines / Pambansang Aklatan ng Pilipinas
Published Date: 11 May 2022
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