OUR STORY

In 2018, the LifeBank Foundation, Inc. (LBF) launched the Street Children NGO Support Project (SNSP) to empower non-government organizations (NGOs) supporting Children in Street Situations (CiSS).

 

This initiative grew from LBF’s earlier multi-stakeholder consultations in 2016 and 2017, held in Davao and Iloilo, which highlighted the critical need for better communication among CiSS NGOs and improved data on street children.

With these insights, SNSP was created to bridge these gaps and extend LBF’s support to NGOs in Visayas and Mindanao. Through a phased approach, LBF continues to strengthen local networks and enhance the capacity of regional NGOs to better serve children in street situations.

 

Looking ahead, SNSP remains committed to advancing the rights of children in street situations, amplifying their voices, and fostering partnerships that bring lasting change. By empowering local communities and stakeholders, SNSP is helping create a future where all children—especially those living on the streets—can thrive with dignity and support.

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Phase One

Phase One focused on supporting research on CiSS. SNSP facilitated the development of a knowledge management and sharing website to aid the network. 

 

In 2019, LBF partnered with survey powerhouse Social Weather Stations (SWS) to estimate the national and regional headcounts of CiSS and their socio-economic situation in the cities of Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro. Just a year later, in March 2020, the findings were presented to national media outlets, along with the launching of monographs that highlight the key research results. The latter provide valuable insight in informing program and policy recommendations. 

 

On a separate undertaking, SNSP and its partner government agencies, civil society organizations, and NGOs from Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro cities crafted a unified theory of change framework to address issues impacting CiSS. The project also ventured into writing case stories and case studies to explore and learn from the experiences of select CiSS – hence, the birth of its first edition compendium.

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Phase Two

Building on the successes of Phase One, the SNSP launched Phase Two to strengthen its network, enhance information systems, and deepen engagement with government agencies on CiSS policies and programs. With a focus on capacity building for local NGOs supporting CiSS, SNSP continues to promote sustainable solutions to improve the lives of street children and their families.

 

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, SNSP led the creation of its second edition compendium in 2021. This edition highlights the adaptive practices of NGOs, as well as the efforts of local government units (LGUs) in Iloilo City and Cagayan de Oro (CDO), which shifted their focus to addressing urgent needs while still implementing core interventions. The compendium shares effective strategies that can serve as models for other organizations and stakeholders working with CiSS.

 

In November 2021, SNSP, in partnership with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), launched a four-part video animation series aimed at raising awareness about the plight of CiSS. The series, which includes a discussion guide, has been endorsed by key stakeholders and is designed to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges street children face, promoting respect for their rights and ensuring their protection.

 

As part of the Sub-Committee on the Protection and Welfare of Children in Street Situations under the CWC, SNSP has played a critical role in developing the Philippine National Multi-Sectoral Strategic Plan on CiSS, a roadmap for addressing the needs of street children. Through this collaboration, SNSP continues to engage with government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities to implement effective solutions.

 

In 2023, SNSP completed a comprehensive consultation process, which included multiple sessions across regions to refine the CiSS video series and adapt it for local use. These sessions involved stakeholders from government agencies, non-government organizations, and youth representatives. Their feedback helped ensure the series was sensitive, inclusive, and politically correct, increasing its effectiveness as an advocacy tool for CiSS. The feedback also led to the re-editing and enhancement of the video series, making it more accessible for diverse audiences.

 

The successful rollout of the video series and accompanying discussion guides is a testament to SNSP’s commitment to capacity building and knowledge-sharing. In partnership with local facilitators, the videos are being distributed to Local Government Units, NGOs, and community organizations across the Philippines. These materials are crucial in raising awareness and educating communities about CiSS, ensuring that street children’s rights are upheld, and their voices are heard.

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Phase Three

Building on the successes of Phases 1 and 2, Phase 3 of SNSP will focus on further strengthening partnerships and expanding the network of key stakeholders in the CiSS sector. By deepening collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, local communities, and other partners, SNSP aims to create a more cohesive and impactful ecosystem that better addresses the complex challenges faced by children in street situations.

 

Leveraging the insights gained from the previous phases, SNSP will foster ongoing dialogues on the protection and welfare of street children, ensuring that their rights are safeguarded and that policies are informed by real-world data and successful models.

 

Informed by the progress and learnings from the previous years, Phase 3 will focus on sustained capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy.

 

Through continued innovation in training, resources, and outreach, SNSP will empower more stakeholders to take action and ensure that children in street situations are treated with dignity, respect, and care.