Current Projects

Programs in the Payatas

137 children are now being sponsored by HELP

The Payatas is a landfill area in one of the most depressed areas of Metro-Manila. There are over 1000 families who exist by scavenging through refuse. The average income is $15-$20 per month. So children begin scavenging at the tender age of five. These precious children live in deplorable conditions adjacent to Metro-Manila's largest landfill. Few attend school. We have three projects in the Payatas region.

Child Sponsorship Update

137 children are now being sponsored by HELP On December 17, we held a Christmas Party for the 107 children that you sponsor in the Payatas. It was a resounding success. Thanks to your extra donations for Christmas gifts, we were able to provide the children with many very practical gifts. I was able to solicit the help of Nelbert Omolon of the "Santa Lucia Realtors", a professional basketball team in the Philippines, to help distribute the gifts. Each of the children has written letters to their sponsors but in the interest of saving postage, I will send them to you when I return to the States in April. Believe me this was a special time for these children.

Piggery Project

The swine project continues to grow. We now have 40 families with pigs (51 feeder pigs & 9 sows). Each of the families are realizing some profit from the project. It is not the end all answer to their poverty issues but the swine project certainly increases their chances for self-sufficiency. Similarly, the sewing and "bayong" (bags from recycled banding material) are providing jobs and extra income for the residents

Pre-school project

Doug & Sharlene Gardner Preschool. There are 59 children (ages 3-6) identified to attend the preschool. We are waiting for the approval of a Rotary Matching Grant to begin operation. The grant will provide operation and maintenance funds to the preschool for a period of 3 years. We have hopes that it will be approved soon