This is another part of our ministry here on Palawan – regular activities for the kids from the Bantay Bata, the City Refuge where the government locks up street kids when they get caught. Or they may be orphans... or been abandoned or given up by families that can’t cope... or they have been removed from abusive families.
It is a sad place – every one of the rejected kids is there because of some terrible past, a range of horrible reasons that led to them being at the Bantay Bata. Each rejected, neglected, abandoned or abused. While at the centre they are always locked in, because some will try to return to the streets, although for others it's to keep abusive families locked out and them kept safe. Either way, it's hard for the kids to have no freedom and always be kept indoors.
I have been busy recently with the Badjao side of the ministry and can’t get there every week, but Shiela is on the team that goes in every week to do activities. From time-to-time we have a special day out for the kids like this one at the swimming pool, before that they have been here at the farm or we've taken them to a beach.
It was wonderful to see them so happy enjoying swimming. On top of that we organised lots of games, activities and party nosh to give them a day full of fun and good food. It was a great day for everyone and I loved being a part of it.
