Thursday, May 7, 2009

Education for the street kids

Ptr. Tony and Ptr. Jay have been trying to figure out a way to get a group of kids from Purok Sais off of drugs and alcohol. They're called the "rugby boys" because they sniff Rugby glue. Ptr. Tony was at his local water district office and found out there was a program being run by the water district along with a well-known university in the Philippines. It's purpose is to rehabilitate and educate street kids or kids from very poor circumstances. Ptr. Tony and Ptr. Jay were able to gather 16 kids from Purok Sais to be a part of the program. They go through drug rehab during the day and school at night. A majority of these kids have only a third grade education. The hope of the people running the program is that the kids will end up with the equivalent of a G.E.D. and then be tested to enter the university. We were able to purchase all of the notebooks and pencils for them. Ptr. Tony and Ptr. Jay periodically visit to encourage the boys.