The Australian branch of Compassion, the international child sponsorship charity, has taken on a new role of guiding Compassion in the Philippines towards self-sufficiency. After 51 years of supporting children in the Philippines, Compassion has officially launched local fundraising operations. The funds raised will support Compassion’s project work in the Philippines, empowering Filipinos to help those living in poverty in their own country.
Chief Operations Officer at Compassion Australia, Tony Broughton, oversees this project and said Compassion is committed to empowering local communities towards self-sufficiency.
“By equipping local fundraising teams, we’re taking important steps towards self-reliance and reducing dependence on external funding sources. This means more significant and sustainable impact on breaking the cycle of poverty.”
“The Philippines was identified as a fundraising country because of Compassion’s long history and existing relationships formed over 50 years of serving the most vulnerable children,” Broughton said.
It’s not a quick program. Compassion’s history began with work in Korea over 70 years ago as a compassionate response to children freezing to death on the streets of Seoul during the Korean War. Today, Compassion’s work in Korea is self-funding, but it took a decades-long effort.
So Australians will support our Philippines Compassion neighbours for some time.
Compassion tells The Other Cheek, “Australia has the remit to develop this program across other countries in Asia, so the Philippines is the first in a number that is being worked on this year.”
Like the example of Korea, it is apparent Compassion does not wish to keep nations in dependency. They point to the nation’s steps to move up the economic ladder. However
• 4 out of 5 children in the Philippines are vulnerable to online sexual abuse or bullying, and
• 1 in 10 children and youth aged 6-24 are out of school, with marriage listed as the top reason.
“The Philippines was identified as a fundraising country because of Compassion’s long history and existing relationships formed over 50 years of serving the most vulnerable children,” Broughton said.
National Director at Compassion Philippines Noel Pabiona said they currently partner with over 450 local partners and are eager to start fundraising for their own programs.
“Our dedicated staff and volunteers are getting ready to invite Filipinos to join Compassion in our mission to release more children from poverty in Jesus’ name.”
“We have an active base of program graduates, many of whom are excited to contribute to community fundraising activities,” Pabiona said.
This historic occasion for Compassion Philippines was marked with food, singing and celebration at a launch event in Manila, pictured above, attended by around 200 individuals, including a heart-warming reunion with many Compassion program graduates – the bright and hopeful faces of young people whose lives have been changed.