Ministry With: Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation, Inc.

Education is instrumental in elevation out of poverty. For many, including individuals and families in the Philippines, education is inaccessible from an early age. A report from UNICEF states that “1.46 million primary school-aged children in the Philippines do not go to school.” Even among those who enroll, dropout rates are significant, and approximately 25 percent do not complete the sixth grade.

Many of the reasons children are unable to attend school or complete their education relate to poverty. Data from the Philippines has documented the following:

• Parents may be unable to afford school fees because they are out of work or are not making a living wage.
• Some children may be working to contribute to the family income.
• Parents may also be products of generational poverty and did not receive an education themselves, making it difficult to support a child who is attending school.
• Children may be hungry and unable to concentrate on learning.
• Transportation is inaccessible, and there are no schools nearby.
• When children do not receive an education or an opportunity to build life skills, they are more likely to grow into adults that are unable to provide for themselves or their families.

One organization in Manila is working to change this reality for Filipinos of all ages. We spoke with Nancy Nicolas, executive director for the Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation, Inc. to learn more.

Tell us about the ministry

The Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation Inc. (KKFI), formerly known as the Methodist Social Center (MSC), was founded in 1950 as a response to the challenge to work among and with the poor in their struggle for genuine human development. As the social arm of the United Methodist Church in the Philippines, KKFI believes that education is instrumental in helping empower marginalized sectors of Philippine society.

We aim to provide individuals and communities with educational opportunities and economic empowerment for physical, intellectual, social and spiritual growth. We offer early childhood care education, an Alternative Learning System, child-friendly spaces, student ministries, educational assistance, youth advocacy, employment training, parent education and community organizing, skills building, and day center for older persons.

What dream is the ministry pursuing?

That we might be transformed communities of people living in a society where peace, justice, the integrity of creation and abundance of life reign.

Is there a particular moment or memory that stands out for you?

When we speak of the marginalized people, perhaps one of the best examples is the community of people living inside the compound of the Manila North Cemetery (MNC).

When I assumed the executive directorship of KKFI in 2011, I went to MNC to visit the families of three children. While inside the cemetery, I remember watching many children and young people, obviously out of school, loitering in the cemetery.

What happened next was a “eureka” moment for me. I thought of offering to the underprivileged children and youth of the MNC an opportunity to continue with their studies. It was a turning point for the educational program of the KKFI.

In partnership with Sta. Mesa Heights United Methodist Church (SMHUMC), which offered its physical church to hold the classes, the foundation started to revitalize its education program. The foundation soon set up its Child Development Center.

What have your neighbors (those utilizing services) taught you in doing this work?

We learned that the people need KKFI’s help initially so that they can help themselves in the long run. This way, they will feel that they “own” the programs themselves. So we consulted, and we both agreed to come up with a series of formal and nonformal trainings to help them acquire skills that will empower them to manage the programs themselves. As a result, the programs were customized according to their objectives and abilities. This model made the programs more sustainable. The whole experience provided valuable lessons to KKFI, including the fact that charity is not always a one-way street.

What challenges have you encountered, and how have you adapted?

We realized that, in spite of all the planning at the management level, we need partners and their inputs in the programs and activities of KKFI. The partners may come in the form of churches, private organizations, the civil society, individual persons, community leaders and local governments. In the particular case of MNC, we helped strengthen its people’s organization, the Samahan ng mga taga-Pangalaga sa Norte (Samantaganor). We empower the members by conducting family development sessions to teach them how to take care of themselves and their families. We also conducted leadership trainings to help them gain confidence in making their own paths in their lives for the purpose of their own development. To sustain their economic independence, livelihood skills training were also provided to them.

What advice would you give to others who are working to be in ministry with?

May others never lose heart in their endeavor because humanity needs us all. Let us always ask God for strength and faith in what we do. Let us always be guided by the idea that one life we change for the better today can impact others who will likewise pave a better path for more. Soon this number will be millions. If that time comes, the critical mass will be achieved and they can really make a positive dent in the world, finally.

How can people contact you if they are inspired by your ministry?

For those who want to partner with us by volunteering or donating, please visit our website at http://kapatiran-kaunlaran.org/.