November’s Child Protection Highlights!
In celebration of National Children’s Month in the Philippines, Redeeming Zoe conducted a series of strategic capacity-building and child-protection initiatives across Cebu. These activities strengthened our ongoing commitment to prevent abuse, equip families, and promote safe environments for children.
We are grateful for your continued support, which allows us to reach and safeguard more children and communities every month.
Here are our wins in November:
Teacher’s Training - This month, we had a training with a local school, Nissi Academy. The training with 37 teachers is a call to action against cyberbullying and to strengthen child protection. This training provided educators with updated knowledge on recognizing, preventing, and responding to cyberbullying and online risks.
As part of our signature program, “I Can Be Strong, Smart and Safe,” Redeeming Zoe facilitated child safety training to a new church partner, Cebu Bethel Temple. 92 children were taught about personal safety, proper hygiene, boundaries, and trusted adults. The kids are very interactive and are happy to learn all the lessons we shared.
We conducted training with our longtime partner, MCOF Church, reaching 107 children and 87 teens. These sessions focused on online risks, responsible digital behaviors, and proactive safety strategies tailored to each age group. Recognizing the recent challenges faced by the community, including the strong typhoon and earthquake, we also held a debriefing activity for the children to provide emotional support, helping them process their experiences and build resilience. On a separate day, we trained 40 church leaders and volunteers, strengthening the church’s safeguarding systems by outlining key components of an effective Child Protection Policy and ensuring that children in their care are safe and supported in every environment, and clarifying local and legal procedures for responding to child abuse cases.
With another valued church partner, Mabolo Evangelical Free Church, we conducted a seminar on Bridging the Generational Gap, attended by 58 parents. The session equipped parents with practical tools to strengthen communication with their children, foster understanding across generations, and provide guidance and support in navigating today’s rapidly evolving digital environment. This is a vital component of child protection, as strong parent-child relationships and open communication are key to recognizing risks early, preventing abuse, and ensuring that children feel safe to share concerns and seek help when needed.
We also had the privilege of conducting a training for 34 children from the Albert Schweitzer Familienwerk Foundation Phils. Inc – Children’s Haven. The session focused on the rights of the child and the dangers of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), equipping them with practical strategies to protect themselves in digital spaces. Beyond safety skills, we also took time to remind the children of their value and identity in God’s eyes, affirming that each of them is special, loved, and uniquely created, which is especially meaningful given their experiences as children from an orphanage. Through interactive discussions and age-appropriate activities, the children learned to recognize unsafe situations, identify trusted adults, and take proactive steps to stay safe, empowering them with both knowledge and confidence.
We are grateful to share that a total of 455 individuals were reached in November alone. This includes children, teens, parents, teachers, and community leaders who participated in our trainings and awareness programs. Each number represents a life strengthened with knowledge, protection, and hope. This milestone reminds us that prevention and empowerment truly make a difference—one session, one conversation, and one child at a time. We celebrate this impact with deep gratitude, knowing that together with our partners and supporters, we are building safer communities for every Filipino child.
WHAT’S TO COME:
Christmas Celebrations for Outreach Communities – Bringing joy and festive activities to the children we serve.
Feeding Programs and Gift-Giving – Ensuring every child experiences the love of God and receives a special treat.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
In mid‑November, Typhoon Tino struck Cebu with unusually heavy rains and flooding — a disaster many are calling among the worst the island has experienced in recent memory. According to official reports, the death toll in Cebu alone has climbed to 96 confirmed fatalities, with numerous individuals injured and several still missing. The storm caused widespread destruction to homes, infrastructure, and essential community facilities, displacing families and leaving many in urgent need of support and shelter.
Pray for comfort, safety, and provision for families who lost loved ones, homes, belongings, or sources of income.
For children experiencing trauma or fear, may they find stability, peace, and emotional support during this time of uncertainty.