By: Lee Candelario
Tourists
in Manila flock to Manila Bay, Rizal Park and, of course, the Mall of Asia.
During the day, these areas are busy, exciting places. Local people go about
their daily business without complaint, whether they are policemen directing
chaotic Manila traffic, street vendors selling
anything from cigarettes to clothes pegs, or pedal tricycle drivers
taking their lives in their hands as they navigate the streets of Malate and
Ermita.
At
night, the scene changes slightly. Families that were lost in the crowds during
the day are suddenly more visible. They
sit on street corners, often preparing a simple evening meal, some encouraging their
toddlers to ask for money from passing tourists, others just smiling.
An
estimated 1.2 million children live in streets in the Philippines. These street
children are everywhere in Manila.
Food is scarce and education is not a priority. Families live from day to day, and the
cycle continues from one generation to the next.
One
organisation that is changing the lives of these children is the Ticket to Life
Scouts of Manila. In 2011, we visited the Philippines and contacted Scouts
Philippines to see if there was a troop that my son could visit as he was a
scout here in Australia. I was contacted by Sophie Castillo, TTL Scout leader.
She invited us to visit but said that the TTL Scouts were not an ordinary
troop. I was intrigued.
On
the day of our visit, we climbed three flights of stairs to be welcomed by a
room full of children, ranging in age from 12-17. Their smiles and enthusiasm
were infectious. Some were shy, but others were very outgoing. We joined in
their games and learnt about the work of the troop.
During
the break I spoke with Sophie and learned more about this troop of scouts.
Sophie explained that they were all local street children. Sophie and other
scout leaders walk the streets at night and identify children in need. They
talk to parents and encourage them to allow their children to join the scout
troop. Children attend weekly meetings and participate in scouting activities,
including cleaning local waterways. Most importantly, they learn values, like
honesty, self respect and hard work.
It astounded me that during
our visit, my son was given gifts by the scouts. They happily offered their
scarves or toggles expecting nothing in return. That alone spoke volumes about the values being instilled in
these children through scouting.
The
role that scouting plays in the lives of these children cannot be
underestimated. If not involved in scouting, some would already be working,
some perhaps involved in criminal
activity. Through scouting they learn practical skills as well. They are encouraged
to regularly attend school and are assisted in this respect by the local
Catholic Church. The goal is to prepare children for life and whatever obstacles they may encounter.
The
work that Sophie does with the other leaders is life changing. It is
emotionally demanding and sometimes
logistically challenging. She does it because it makes a difference. I
for one am convinced that without scouting, these children would have a very
bleak future.
Ticket
to Life Scouts operate in eight developing countries. Their goals are the same.
If you would like to know more about TTL Scouts go to their webpage. A link has
also been provided below to a video clip of Sophie in action in Manila. The
troop relies largely on donations to supply scouts with equipment and
opportunities. If you would like to make a donation to the troop please contact
me at
Candelario Family (Alan,Lee,Hannah,Rivir) and TTL Scouts
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