By: Monique B. Gumban

Bukid Kabataan Center is one of the agencies under the St. Mary Euphrasia Integrated Development Foundation Inc. Managed by the Good Shepherd sisters and mission partners, BKC has become a temporary sanctuary of survivors of gender-based violence and street life even before 2000 when the program was still under Caritas Manila. The Center used to serve young boys as well, but between 2016-2017, it made the decision to concentrate its ministry on girls.

The Center provides a safe and healthy environment that is conducive for healing and recovery from trauma. It offers holistic interventions for the healing of  body, mind, and spirit under the CARING, HEALING, AND TEACHING framework. Every activity is aimed at  restoring each child’s sense of self-worth and help her believe once more that she is God’s beloved, deserving of love, respect, and the chance to develop.

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 makes sure that they continue to receive support, guidance, and care as they face the next chapter of their lives. The Center also networks with other institutions and organizations to get support for the needs of the families like livelihood, employment and family strengthening program.

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, recognizes  the value of her life leading her to dream and hope again.

A year-long celebration is not enough to gather the stories of hope and transformation of the boys and girls who passed through the Bukid Kabataan Center. But glimpses of their beautiful experiences while at the Center are enough inspiration  to continue to explore possibilities to respond to the emerging needs of this mission.

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.”

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.  Jean (not her real name), 14 years old

My sister and I were taken to the Bukid Kabatan Center by one of our concerned neighbors, where we were warmly and completely received. 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 we have our basic necessities met and are shielded from danger and anxiety. We also had the opportunity to celebrate our birthdays and do other seemingly unusual things that we are not accustomed to like celebrating birthdays with cake and pancit (noodles).

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. Above all, we were fortunate to have kindhearted people who are always available to mentor, encourage, and assist us in overcoming our past traumas and finding hope. Luchi (not her real name), 15

It occurred on 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 abilities, 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 sing.  I’ve learned to 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 have had similar experiences. Amy(not her real name), 16 yeas old

As we continue this mission, we honor and remember all the sisters, partners and volunteers who initially envisioned a larger healing space where children who have experienced abuse and exploitation could play, laugh, and feel safe. They who, with strong faith and zeal managed to go through all the difficulties that come with starting a mission. They who attested to God’s mercy and generosity. God bless you all.