Over the last 3 years we have learned so much while working with the kids. We have learned much about what it is like to live on the streets. I want to share with you all some of the stories we hear from the kids about things they endure on the harsh streets of Cebu.
*some of this content may not be appropriate for all ages*
we met a sweet boy who was suffering from sever asthma, we took him to our house (this was before the JC was open) to take a bath before heading to the hospital. The guard at our subdivision asked Ronald "Unsa na?" "What is that?"pointing to the suffering child he was carrying on his back.
we went to visit the kids as we were walking home from a late dinner. The kids processed to tell us of their experiences that night. One of the 12 year olds at the time was begging for leftover food at a local pizza place when the person working threw boiling water at him. He had 3rd degree burns down his back. 3 years later he still has scars.
the kids tell us the guard at the local mall kicked them when they went near the mall escalator.
we find one of our 12 year old boys crying on the sidewalk. He ripped his pants and didn't have underwear on leaving him exposed to everyone. The other kids teased him rather than help him.
we find out the adults sell the kids drugs. The kids use the money they get begging to buy drugs.
*we are sure they use the drugs to endure the harsh environments on the streets*
one kids tells us his parents kicked him out of the house and was told not to go home unless he had money.
2 of our girls were molested by a father of one of the kids.
the police don't take the accusation seriously about the girls being molested.
one of the girls had a bad UTI and her temp spiked to 104.
one of the young men (20 or 21) murders someone under the bridge because of money. A good majority of our kids were witnesses and two helped get rid of the body. It was never followed up with by the police.
one of our young boys -13 yrs old- was hit by a motorcycle while crossing the street. He sustained small injuries and needed stitches near his eye.
the police force one of our 15 year old boys to run around the street in middle of the day naked.
the same 13 yr old boy was hit again by a motorcycle and broke his leg.
one of our young girls was hit by a motorcycle and died.
while sleeping, kids tie each others legs together.
the barangay (town) people do raids on the streets to get the kids out of certain areas. They pour muriatic acid on them while they are sleeping.
the police, in an effort to wake the kids up, kick them resulting in broken/bruised ribs.
These are just a portion of the stories we hear from the kids. Some stories are worse than others but regardless no child should have to endure such treatment. The Jesan Center works to prevent things like this! Will you partner with us to help put an end to these kids sufferings? We would like to have our home opened by the end of 2015 and with your help we can make that dream a reality!
