Raising Strong, Smart, and Safe Communities in March
In March, our work remained focused within Cebu, allowing us to deepen our engagement in local barangays and strengthen relationships within the communities we serve. This month has been meaningful in reinforcing ongoing programs and celebrating milestones.
One of the highlights of the month was the completion of our 10-week child protection curriculum, “I Can Be Strong, Smart, and Safe,” in two barangays. In one of the zone areas in Brgy. Marigondon, 40 children successfully completed the program. Another area in Brgy. Basak, 77 children finished the full series of lessons. These sessions have equipped children with essential knowledge and skills about proper hygiene, recognizing unsafe situations, identifying trusted adults, and responding to potential risks. To celebrate this achievement, we organized culmination activities in both locations. These were joyful and meaningful gatherings where children were recognized for their participation and growth throughout the program. Certificates and awards were given, honoring their efforts and encouraging continued confidence in applying what they have learned. The celebrations concluded with festive meals, providing a space for the children to bond and celebrate their achievements in a fun and supportive environment.
March is recognized as the National Women’s Month in the Philippines, and with this, we hosted a special event for our Club Kinabuhi (CK) mothers. This initiative was designed to honor and appreciate them as primary caregivers, key protectors of their children, and the backbone of their families. We organized an excursion to SM Seaside (a huge mall in Cebu City), where the mothers were treated to lunch and given time to explore and enjoy the experience together. For many of these mothers, this was a day of "firsts" including their first visit to the mall and their first time riding an elevator. The day was filled with laughter and connection as they explored the Sky Garden, and took a well-deserved break to celebrate their collective strength and dedication. We want this activity to serve not only as a celebration but also as a reminder of their value, strength, and important role within their families and communities.
As part of our ongoing support, we continued providing monthly food packs to our Club Kinabuhi families. This initiative plays an important role in our child protection efforts, as meeting basic needs helps reduce vulnerability and creates a more stable and nurturing environment for children. This month, for the first time, families were given the opportunity to choose their own items at the grocery store within the same allocated value. The families had fun selecting their items and were very excited by the experience, making the support not only practical and meaningful but also a joyful and empowering moment for them.
WHAT’S TO COME:
Launching a New Location for the 10 Week Curriculum - we are preparing to start the “I Can Be Strong, Smart, and Safe” program in a new barangay. This expansion will allow us to reach more children with life-saving knowledge on safety and protection.
Strengthening Follow-Up and Reinforcement Activities - we aim to introduce follow-up sessions and refresher activities for children and families to reinforce key lessons and ensure long-term impact within the community.
Club Kinabuhi Family Day - we hope to have a special time for CK to bring families together, strengthen relationships, and create a safe space for connection, joy, and learning.