Medical Mission International supports a feeding programme, a lifeline for about 150 children living in deplorable conditions around the Catmon dumpsite in Malabon, Metro Manila. These neglected and often abandoned children receive nutritious meals five times each week. The MMI funded programme creates a nurturing environment for the children and provides access to life changing services that promote and improve each child’s life and overall well-being.
According to Doug Kendrick, MMI programme director, administrators monitor the nutritional status and health of the children and conduct visits to assess the living conditions of children. Thousands of families live amid the stench and filth of dump sites around Manila, many of them picking through the garbage each day, struggling to survive by collecting anything that can be converted to cash. It is estimated that more than half of those engaged in picking garbage are children.
Each year, MMI also sponsors a Piglet Programme. The Piglet Programme delivers young pigs to poor families that they raise and eventually sell to earn money. These struggling families living in the Balatas dump site are thrilled to receive their piglets.
Medical Mission International also partners with the Queen of Peace Day Care Programme located in Pacol. The programme cares for orphans, who live on site, as well as pre-school age children from low income families. The programme provides quality pre-school education for these needy children and ensures their acceptance into primary school. The programme focuses on academic preparation, but also includes activities that promote confidence and socialization skills. “The core of the curriculum is education, but the children’s overall development, enhancement of social skills and emotional growth play a prominent role,” said Doug Kendrick, MMI Programme Director.
Jennylyn, five years old, attends the Queen of Peace Day Care Programme. The family lives in a make shift home built in a former pig pen. The father supports the family by gathering sand and gravel at a nearby river. Jennylyn walks approximately 2 km to attend class each day, which involves crossing the river and walking on rice paddies. Despite her impoverished living conditions, Jennylyn is a very optimistic and happy child. “I am thankful for the day care programme because she is learning so many things,” her father said.
Medical Mission International is grateful to every supporter who is contributing toward the life-saving food, nutritional health services, education, emotional, well-being and enrichment of these vulnerable children.
