by Mary Adams, AWC The Hague
Did You Know?
About 7,000,000 children in the Philippines are sexually abused every year. More than 70% of sexually abused children are between 5 and 18 years old. Most of the time, Filipino children are raped by their fathers or uncles. It has been noted that most incest cases take place in the family home when the victim is alone. The lack of general education (and especially of sex education) is mentioned as the reason why two out of three children do not report the crime. They do not realize that they are being raped. This tragedy is strengthened by the fact that the abuse is perpetrated by people they trust and who were supposed to protect them.1
Equal Access to All Levels of Education, Pre-primary to Secondary
In 2010, AWC The Hague member Marilyn Tinsay established SPOSA (Save and Protect Our Sexually Abused) CHILD. This organization raises and manages money to support the complete primary and secondary education cycle for sexually abused girls in the province of Negros, The Philipines.
In 2013, SPOSA CHILD received the AW of Surrey Hope Through Education Development Grant from The FAWCO Foundation. This funding covered the cost of uniforms, books and other school materials, physical education, transport to/from school, meals and reintegration counseling for primary school for three abused girls. Over the next few years, AWC The Hague, Marilyn’s Member Club, supported the charity through local fundraising events.
Promoting Access to and Initiatives in Continuing Education
I recently sat down with Marilyn for an update on SPOSA CHILD. Through FAWCO Foundation funding and additional sponsors, three girls were able to continue their studies at university level. They graduated with Bachelors of Science in Social Work. On September 25, 2024, all three passed the government Social Worker Licensure Examination. Marilyn told me that this achievement made her realize that gaining literacy is important, but continuing education is critical to empowering women in the job market and promoting societal cultural change. Her new goal with SPOSA CHILD is to engage with psychologists and social workers to talk with girls during secondary school about universities. In this way, they can provide career guidance in professions such as social work and education that give back to the community. Currently SPOSA CHILD provides full funding for one girl in primary school, three girls in high school and another three girls at university.
The Graduates’ Voices
Graduate #1 joined the education program in 2017. She was deeply devoted to her studies and committed to her aspiration of becoming a professional social worker. She received several Outstanding Student awards during her college years.
It was a three-day exam, two subjects per day and four hours to finish each subject. The day the results were released, I didn’t want to watch because I was worried my name would not be on the list. Being a registered social worker was not an easy journey for me, lots of doubts, hopes and breakdowns. But I couldn’t stop myself. I found my name with tears of joy in my eyes. You have supported me in my dreams.
Graduate #2 joined the SPOSA CHILD education program twelve years ago. Always an outstanding student and participating in high school activities, in college she distinguished herself by being on the Dean’s List.
All of my struggles and restless nights paid off when I passed the Social Worker Licensure Examination. I can now finally help other people, especially women who are victims of various forms of abuse in my country. Thank you all for your support.
Graduate #3 was provided practical youth empowerment resources for schooling and therapy. As a student, she displayed leadership skills and received special recognition for excellence in school performances. With her degree as a professional in social work, she plans on helping people make a difference in their lives.
1 Context in the Philippines | Association CAMELEON
Photo from Canva.com
