What's your world vision? A discussion on the legal aspects of youth development programs by INGOs and local government institutions

Violence against children wounds over borders of countries in the aspect of topography, nationality, class, religious conviction and culture. It takes place in streets, schools, in workplaces, day care centers and even in home. The offenders are in general which includes: teachers, caretakers, law enforcement authorities, other children and even parents as well as family members. No country is safe, whether one is rich or poor. The consequences of violence can be disturbing, but above all, it can result in an early death of a child. But on the other hand even children who survived experience terrible physical and deep emotional scars or trauma. Thus, violence affects not only their well-being, but also their capability to learn and who can be mature enough create complete families and societies.

Last Saturday, August 14, 2010 a group of SEM-CDA students presented a forum about Youth Development Programs which includes: the World Vision, Child Hope Asia and Department of Education in MIMAROPA. These Non-governmental organizations tackled about child labor, violence against children as well as their rights and offer programs which we can help children in uplifting their well-being after suffering from any form of maltreatment. Scholarship and other financial assistance were given to the children by those generous and kind hearted entities to the students with exceptional capability of the students to also help themselves to be out of their zone. On a more recent update, According to Rainier Allan Ronda from an article in Philippine Star, The Department of Education (DepEd) has combined with World Vision Development Fund (WVDF) for the training of teachers in public school on the “anti-child exploitation advocacy.” The teaching, funded by the World Vision Development Foundation, is designed to enhance the teachers’ capacity in of social development, namely: study, encouragement, interacting, direct service and documentation. The training successions will advance among the teachers a deeper understanding of the child labor issue and the significance of education.

I am fortunate that my rights as a child were not been challenge by the people that I encountered through my entire life. My parents provided more than enough of my needs as I grow, and it was sad that not all people share the same luck as I am but on the other hand, I am pleased also to the people and organizations advocating not only children rights but also supporting their common needs. Although we cannot permanently eliminate the abuses and cruelties that some unfortunate children experiences, these organizations is a stepping stone to further the privileges and rights of children all over the world, this seminar was a revelation of what truly is happening in our society concerning the children. This is an issue we must all be alarmed and I hope that our government will craft possible policies that defend that rights, privileges and choice of a child.