PHILIPPINES

Philippines: One million street children face violence and abuse every day

In urban areas of the Philippines, many children live in extreme poverty, and more than one million are growing up on the streets. Discrimination, physical violence, and sexual violence are part of their daily lives, with 18 cases of sexual abuse reported every day and three out of four children subjected to corporal punishment.

Asmae’s Work in the Philippines

1989

Established in the country

3

projects

10

partners

7,325

beneficiaries by 2025

Our Projects

Youth for Change

Young people are raising awareness among their peers to combat gender-based violence

This project, part of the Youth for Change program, works to combat gender-based violence against young people. Child protection professionals are trained by Asmae to incorporate a gender perspective into their casework. The project also helps young people take action to end gender-based violence in schools, at home, and in their communities. Young members of student associations receive support to lead collective awareness-raising initiatives targeting young people in schools, communities, and among local authorities. A best-practices guide on the benefits and challenges of preventing gender-based violence is developed by the young people themselves and is widely shared among child protection professionals.

Beneficiaries: young people in schools

Partners: 

  • Gems Heart Outreach Development Incorporated.

Institutional partners: 

  • The National Network to Combat Gender-Based Violence;
  • The National Council for Child Welfare and its Subcommittee on the Elimination of Violence Against Children.

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PEACE: Protecting Children Affected by Conflict and Exclusion

Promoting respect for the rights to education and protection of displaced or marginalized children and adolescents

We are improving access to and the quality of education and protection programs for children under the age of 6

One of the main objectives of the “PEACE” project is to raise awareness among displaced communities about protection issues and to identify children who are vulnerable or at risk.

It also aims to strengthen and standardize the quality of early childhood education through the use of picture books and an active, participatory teaching approach.

Beneficiaries: children ages 0 to 6 and their families, preschool facilitators and educators, and community center instructors

Partners: 

  • Association of Youth for Family Well-being (AJBF) 
  • Association Coalition of Community Initiatives for Development (ACICD)
  • Terre des Hommes; Educo; Intersos.

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Children in Street Situations

Children living on the streets in Manila see education as the key to their empowerment

This project aims to combat the social exclusion of children and families living on the streets by providing better access to public services and ensuring the recognition of their rights. 

The goal is to provide children with access to high-quality alternative education that supports their reintegration into the school system. On a daily basis, social workers travel in minibuses equipped with educational materials and offer various activities, such as academic support and hygiene awareness programs.

The goal is also to promote children’s right to protection by strengthening the capacities of young people, parents/guardians, CSOs, and the government to ensure effective and high-quality prevention, case management, and response. National and local authorities responsible for their protection are also supported in developing inclusive policies for children and families living on the streets.

Beneficiaries: street children and their communities 

Partners:

  • Bahay Tuluyan (BT);
  • Kanlungan sa Erma Ministry (KSEM);
  • Child Hope Philippines (CHAP).

Institutional partners: 

  • The Barangay Council for Child Protection;
  • The Council for the Social Protection of Children;
  • The National Committee on Child and Youth Participation of the Council for the Social Welfare of Children;
  • The Local Council for Child Protection;
  • The Civil Society Coalition for the Convention on the Rights of the Child;
  • The Children’s Rights Network;
  • The Manila Bondholders Network;
  • The Street Educators Network.

Financial Partner:

AFD.

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Testimonial

“Today, I feel that I can achieve my dream of becoming a teacher, because I’ve already had the experience of being a leader. I’m happy because I’ve realized that, as a young person, I can make my own decisions. If someone wants to marry you while you’re still young, you can say no—because you want to finish your education. I’m glad I learned that as a young indigenous person.”
Mayumi, a young Sama Bajau participating in the PEACE program

Become a sponsor of our projects in the Philippines

Make a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children. By joining us in this effort, you’re contributing to a comprehensive and equitable initiative that addresses the specific needs of local children and youth. Your regular support ensures the long-term sustainability of our projects, giving young people the opportunity to thrive in their communities and become self-reliant.

In return, you’ll receive regular updates on the impact of your generosity and discover a new culture. Join us in this act of civic engagement and solidarity. Together, we can make a real difference in these children’s lives and contribute to a better future for the Philippines.

Become a Sponsor

Our latest news from the Philippines

6 May 2026

Professional integration, the key to young people’s independence

In highly vulnerable situations, helping young people enter the workforce is a key way to empower them to build their future. By offering tailored training, job placement support, and concrete opportunities, Asmae promotes sustainable paths to self-reliance through its “Jeunesses Actrices de leur Avenir” and “Youth for Change” programs.


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23 February 2026

Protecting a young girl means bringing lasting peace to an entire community

Mayumi grew up in the Sama Bajau community, which has long faced discrimination. Today, she advocates for the rights of her people and is paving the way for a more just future. Her story carries a message of hope and strength for people of all generations.


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