Stories of Hope: Girl survivors of gender-based violence and street life share their experience as the Bukid Kabataan Center celebrates its 25^º anniversary.

 Edited from articles by Monique B. Gumban, Social worker at Tahanan ni Jose, and Cyvelle Benavente, Program Coordinator, Philippines (Province of Philippines / Japan)

On June 7, 2025, Bukid Kabataan Center (BKC) celebrated 25 years of dedicated service under the management of the Saint Mary Euphrasia Integrated Development Foundation Inc (SMEIDFI).

The celebration brought together sisters, partners-in-mission, former staff, volunteers, benefactors and long-time friends who have walked with BKC in its mission of healing and hope.

The day included opportunities for prayer, reflection, and celebration, including a theater arts performance by the girls of BKC. Through creative storytelling and movement, their presentation captured the founding inspiration, the beginnings of the center, and the 25-year journey of healing, empowerment, and renewed self-worth.

Through the years, Bukid Kabataan Center, which translates to “youth/children’s farm,” has remained committed to its mission to serve as a shelter for boys (until 2016) and girl survivors from abuse, exploitation, and life on the streets. Anchored in the Caring, Healing, and Teaching Framework, BKC continues to offer holistic interventions that restore dignity, strengthen confidence, and nurture hope in every child entrusted to its care.

While staying at the Center, the girls are guided and equipped with essential life skills to help them prepare for life outside the shelter. Opportunities to work part-time on weekends and during summer are provided. They also earn money by making bracelets and rosaries, which they sell to guests who come to the Center and to partner institutions. The aftercare program ensures that they continue to receive support, guidance, and care as they navigate the next chapter of their lives. The Center also collaborates with other institutions and organizations to secure support for the needs of families, including livelihood, employment, and family strengthening programs.

Each child’s story at the Center is a testament to God’s mercy and grace. From an experience of abuse and exploitation in which everything is dark and worthless, the child rises and gradually embraces the transformation of herself, in which she sees her true worth and recognizes the value of her life, leading her to dream and hope again.

This year-long celebration, which has just begun, may not be enough to gather the stories of hope and transformation of the boys and girls who have passed through the Bukid Kabataan Center. However, below we share some glimpses of their beautiful experiences while at the Center to offer inspiration to continue exploring possibilities for responding to the emerging needs of this mission.

Time spent at BKC for 14-year-old Jean*profoundly shaped her sense of self-worth, healing, and purpose:

“When I grew up, I hoped to be a writer. I wanted to write about the experiences of others, particularly those who had been abused. I wanted to give meaning to their stories and inspire other young people who had faced similar challenges.”

BKC taught me how to live and value my rights with love and respect. I learned how to live a peaceful and happy life at the shelter. I learned to value my life through the love they gave me. I am confident that other people will not hurt or abuse me. I also learned how to express myself and manage my fears. Through all of my experiences, I have held on to God’s promise, ‘Do not be afraid, I am with you’.”

 Another moving testimony comes from Luchi*, a 15-year-old girl, who shares how her experience at BKC restored her sense of safety, joy, and hope for the future:

“My sister and I were taken to the Bukid Kabataan Center by one of our concerned neighbors, where we were warmly welcomed. Being here makes us feel incredibly fortunate. We were able to relive the joy of childhood at the center. We feel safe and secure because our basic needs are met, and we are shielded from danger and anxiety.

We had the opportunity to continue our education and participated in various activities that improved our moral and spiritual values, helped us learn more about ourselves, and improved our relationships with others. We’ve also had the chance to experience seemingly normal things that we are not accustomed to, like celebrating our birthdays with cake and eating pancit noodles.

Above all, we have been fortunate to have kindhearted people who are always available to mentor, encourage, and assist us in overcoming our past traumas and finding hope."

 Finally, Amy*, a 16-year-old girl, reflects on how her time at Bukid Kabataan has deepened her faith, strengthened her self-confidence, and guided her on a journey of healing and growth:

“It occurred to me that God loves me since I am at Bukid Kabataan, where I can sleep, eat, and study. I may also say that I’ve improved my interpersonal skills, particularly at school. My self-confidence has also improved as a result of being able to share my talents, particularly singing, whenever I am asked to. I’ve learned the value of patience, listening, respecting other people’s ideas, and admitting my own flaws and shortcomings.

I’ve also learnt to pray and build a relationship with God. Whatever obstacles I face, I am confident that God is with me and will not abandon me. I still feel sad when I remember my terrible experiences, but I am hopeful that I will continue to be healed and be strong. I also pray for anyone who has had similar experiences.”.

As we continue this mission, we honor and remember all the sisters, partners-in-mission, staff, volunteers, and donors who initially envisioned a larger healing space where children who have experienced abuse and exploitation could play, laugh, and feel safe. Thank you for believing in the power of healing and in the sacred worth of every child’s life. Together, we move forward with grateful hearts and renewed hope.

May God bless all those who, with strong faith and zeal, managed to go through all the difficulties that come with starting a mission, and to all those who attested to God’s mercy and generosity.

*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the girls.