Dear Friends,
Today marks the 17th anniversary of Kalipay, my heart is filled with a profound mix of gratitude, reflection, and renewed determination. It has been an incredible journey, one that has been shaped by the resilience of the children we serve, the unwavering dedication of our staff and volunteers, and the steadfast support of our community.
Seventeen years ago, I set out with a vision to create a safe haven for abused, abandoned, and neglected children—a place where they could heal, grow, and reclaim their lives. Over the years, we have encountered stories of unimaginable pain and suffering, but also of incredible strength and transformation.
Let me share with you the story of Nika. Nika’s life was a series of nightmares. Severely physically abused by her relatives to the point of physical deformity, she endured unimaginable cruelty. One day, she was buried alive in a septic tank, forced to claw her way out to survive. As if this wasn't enough, she was subjected to being bitten by the family’s pit bull, an act of sheer brutality inflicted by those who were supposed to protect her. Nika's story is a heartbreaking reminder of why our work is so crucial.
In the Philippines, Nika's plight is not unique. Statistics show that 80% of Filipino children have experienced some form of violence at home, in school, in their community, or online. These acts of violence are often committed by those they trust. Disturbingly, despite the high incidence of such violence, 7 in 10 children are not aware of the services available to help them. This glaring gap in awareness and access to support must be addressed.
We must also turn our attention to the growing and insidious issue of cybersex trafficking. “Sara”, a victim of this vile crime, endured unspeakable horrors. At just 10 years old, Sara was forced into cybersex trafficking, with her abuser possessing thousands of sexually explicit videos and pictures of her. Her siblings were also at risk of falling prey to this exploitation by their very own parents. Shockingly, the Philippines ranks first in the world for cybersex crimes against children and fourth in terms of the highest number of prostituted children. This is not just a statistic it is a call to action.
Despite these dark realities, Kalipay stands as a beacon of hope and transformation. Children like Nika and Sara have found refuge with us. We have taken legal action against their abusers, provided comprehensive psychosocial services, and meticulously managed their cases to ensure their holistic recovery. Here, they are not just victims—they are survivors who are reclaiming their lives and discovering their potential.
Over these 17 years, we have seen transformations that inspire and humble us. Children who once knew only pain now laugh, learn, and dream. They are reclaiming their childhoods and building bright futures, thanks to the support and love they find here. As we celebrate our achievements, we must also acknowledge that our work is far from done. The stories of Nika and Sara must not be forgotten; they must propel us into action. I urge each of you to join us in
this vital mission. Whether through donations, volunteering, advocacy, or spreading the word, your involvement is crucial.
Together, we can create a community where children enjoy their rights to a brighter tomorrow.
With Love,
Anna
