7/27/2019 CHAP Reaction

1/1

Jonathan L. Ventigan, 08-87008 Sept 4, 2011

FCH 251.1CHAP reflection paper

It was really my first time to get to interact with street children in a meaningful way. In our

everyday lives, we simply think of street children as nuisances or even as small criminals. We are always

ignoring or being wary of them. Knowing this, and knowing that surely that they knew this is how we

think, I was apprehensive about meeting them. I didnt know if they would open up to us or if they

would be hostile. The social workers who were with us assured us that since we would be going with

them, with people the street children have come to trust, we would be fine. Fortunately, the street

children turned out to be surprisingly friendly and open to us. In fact, they were quite frank about the

hard life on the streets that it also shocked me. They talked about how some of them were snatchers, or

did rugby. They talked about how abusive DSWD centers can be, about how the people supposed to

take care of them use them for profit. They talked about how some of them were nearly killed by

policemen on suspicion of being criminals. And they also talked about their personal lives, about how

they ended up on the street. Somehow, I felt that they were not being completely honest with us. I

understand that trust does take time to build. The social workers told us that almost all the street

children use rugby, some use drugs and almost all are sexually active. The social workers do what they

can to educate these children on safety, child rights and avoiding the hazards of their lifestyle. With

some encouragement, some are encouraged to go to welfare centers where hopefully, the other street

children will follow. Basic medical services are also provided by the mobile clinic of CHAP and the

resident doctor. It is a good thing that NGOs like CHAP are around to provide services to these

marginalized children but it is disheartening at the same time that private entities have to step in to do

what the government is supposed to do. It is even more disheartening that the DSWD itself can

contribute to the exploitation of these children. Ideally, social welfare should be the governments

responsibility. One cant help but wonder what kind of life these children will grow into? Will they beable to escape the streets or will they stay? Will they remain delinquent and eventually turn into

criminals or will they find a better way in life? Talking to these children for one hour did not provide any

answers. I know that if I pass through their area now, not as a medical student, they would still treat me

as any other passer-by, perhaps with indifference, or someone they can exploit, and that would be

perfectly understandable. If only things can turn-out for the better for this country, then perhaps they

would have a future.