OUTREACH PROGRAM EXPERIENCE: VIRLANIE FOUNDATION
Virlanie Foundation is a private, non-profit organization reaching out to street children in the Philippines. Virlanie cares for children in need of special protection – those who are abandoned, abused, exploited, neglected, orphaned, and among the poorest of the poor (http://www.virlanie.org/). It is originally from Makati and founded in 1992 and has their branch in Dasmariñas, Cavite. The organization has helped and cared for more than 17,000 children who need special protection.
Before the program, our groupmates prepared things and foods in order, and then we start it with a prayer that was led by Ate Sheila. After that, an energizer was performed by Ate Jen and Ate Charisma together with orphans. Next, the emcees which were Ate Uela and Kuya Miguel started it with a play and ended it with showing their different talents. Which seem like some of them enjoyed it. As I’ve noticed, the orphans in Virlanie Foundation are used to program like we did because they were not socially awkward.
There are also orphans that are in mid 20s and 30s in Virlanie. Just like Ate MJ. Ate MJ was from Antipolo until a social worker from Virlanie foundation transferred her there. She's in mid-30 years old and works at Virlanie. Even if she's isolated to her family, she still has communications with them though she misses them and it's different when you're doing the daily routines with your family. During her childhood days, she can't help but feel sorry yet blessed with her disability of walking. quot "palagi kong tinatanong, bakit 'di ako ganito, ganyan? nakakalakad. Pero nagpapasalamat pa rin ako dahil yung iba nga mas malala pa sa akin." As we enjoy our chitchat, I couldn't help but ask what are her dreams. Ate MJ always wanted to be a famous artist or journalist. And as a journalist she wants people to know her story, struggles and how she coped up with them. In this, she thought she could still inspire people with and without disabilities.
With occurrence like this, we should listen to them. It's one of the things that can help them to be motivated and not feel bad with themselves. Next, be empathetic. I know that dealing with people like them is quite hard because they degrade themselves before we give advices. But if we put ourselves in their position, we'll feel the same yet make it beautiful that'll make them smile. Lastly, make them accept what they are capable of and not. Through this, we can make them realize that we will not get all potentials and wonderful things in life though just make it simple but brief for them not to get offended