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In the Bicol region there are countless cases of sexually abused children between the ages of two and 17 years. There are no places of refuge for such children in the entire region. The social service authorities disperse these children to various institutions that do not have a specific focus on dealing with such cases. They are therefore limited in their capacity to provide the treatment and support needed. Furthermore, they are unable to accommodate these children on a long-term basis.
Tiwala aims to address this problem by creating a permanent refuge place for sexually abused children. We will form individual foster homes, accommodating eight to 10 children, two house parents and one social worker. Here children will receive the individual attention, love and care that they need within a close family unit. All their needs will be catered for, including education and psychiatric treatment.
In 2006 Typhoon Remming struck the region of Bicol, on the main island, Luzon. The super typhoon preceded severe flooding, mudslides and volcanic eruption. Many people lost their lives, homes, families and friends. Entire communities were wiped out and agriculture was destroyed. Many parts of Bicol remain covered in mud and volcanic material.
Apart from recent calamities, Bicol remains one of the poorest areas in the Philippines as it is often struck by typhoons during the monsoon season. Tiwala has observed the current conditions and most pressing needs of remote mountainous communities in this region. We are committed to helping these depressed communities in various ways, such as:
Many day care centres and schools were destroyed during Typhoon Remming. Tiwala plans to establish Christian day care centres in these communities. Here young children will learn skills that will prepare them for formal schooling and life. Tiwala will support these centres on an ongoing basis and provide further training for teachers.
Many school-going children in the mountains walk for up to three hours per day to the nearest schools, as no public transport is available to them. Tiwala will provide daily transport to and from schools for children in our chosen communities. Furthermore, we will provide extra tuition for scholars where possible, as many are behind in their studies.
Tiwala’s long-term vision is to share the love of God with as many people as we are able to reach. We will start by conducting informal church meetings within our communities, including Bible studies and Sunday school programs for young children. We hope to eventually establish a church building, as we grow.
Tiwala will send local and international mission teams into remote and depressed communities in this region. Our teams will conduct various Christian outreach programs as a way of conveying the gospel message and restoring hope.
Tiwala is purchasing a farm in the Bicol region where we are establishing a base. The farm is located in a discreet, yet easily accessible rural village called Sitio Kawayan in Santo Domingo, Albay. Tiwala plans to establish many foster homes on the farm, situated within one compound.
Tiwala Farm will in essence be a sanctuary for abused children, where they will not only have all their emotional and physical needs met, but will experience the healing touch of God. Our hope and assurance is in the power of God to heal, comfort and make whole these broken little lives. The building project is expected to begin in February 2008 with a view toward opening the first home for 10 children who have suffered abuse and neglect.
At Tiwala Farm we will also be building a therapy room and clinic where the children can receive treatment and counseling. This will be a place where they can feel safe, secure and loved.
We believe Tiwala Farm will be a special and organic environment where the children will grow up with love, community, spiritual freedom and practical care. This will be our long-term base where missionaries and volunteers from all cultures will be welcomed.