1.Formation of local networks for child protection in strategic areas nationwide.
Eight (8) functional local networks of churches and organizations with ministries to children are currently formed and three (3) are still developing in the 3 Samar provinces, Quezon City, Mindanao and in Negros Occidental.
Two new emerging local networks of churches still needs to be strengthened to make them operational in 2010.
These networks are affiliated with PCMN, receives capacity-enhancement activities, mentoring and funding support as needed.
The local networks spawn new initiatives in child protection such as anti-trafficking campaign, child sexual abuse prevention, back to school program for child domestic workers, and provides response to children in crisis.
2. Quality Improvement System (QIS)
PCMN enhances the capacity of its member organizations through a series of training in organizational development to ensure that the quality and quantity of service to children is improved.
QIS is due to start in April 2010 after a series of consultation with members which will engage in activities that will enhance the skills of its staff.
A local and international stamp of approval will be awarded to participating organizations
3. Bearers of Hope (BOH)
Bearers of Hope is a collaborative program on equipping churches and faith-based groups (FBOs) on disaster risk reduction in three areas, namely: provinces of Rizal, Laguna and National Capitol Region. Started in April 6, 2011, the program is managed through a Coordination Team from PCMN, and local coordination teams called Working Groups in each of the areas covered. It is an 18th month long program from April 2010-September 2011. There are 30 churches and organizations who signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with PCMN as implementing partners of Bearers of Hope.
The project is the second phase of the 3& 1/2-month (November 2009-February 2010) relief response to the disaster brought about by the typhoons Ketsana, Parma and Mirinae. It signals the start of PCMN’s thrust to address the huge issues of climate change and environmental sustainability and its impact on the well-being of children. For the 18 months project, the expected output is the formation of 3 functional working groups composed of equipped pastors, ministry workers and lay persons that will address the concerns on child protection, disaster risk reduction and preparedness in vulnerable communities in 3 geographical locations. The working groups will be equipped to ensure the protection of children in situations of disasters and emergencies and help build capacities of vulnerable communities to prepare for, respond to and recover well when disasters happened.
Program goal is Protection of children and reduction of vulnerabilities of communities during disasters and emergency situations. The objective is for 60 Pastors, workers and members of Christian faith-based groups serving in vulnerable communities in 3 low-lying and flood-prone areas in Metro Manila, Rizal and Laguna provinces to be equipped as advocates and facilitators to help empower their communities to protect children and reduce the adverse impact of disasters and emergency situations.
4. Advocacy Program
PCMN is representing the FBOs in major coalitions addressing its specific issues on anti-child labor, prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation, anti-child trafficking.
The advocacy activities is made to create significant in-roads in popularizing the children at risk issue in the Christian community and in the general public. Through development of teaching materials that has Biblical perspective, and other publications, PCMN aims to have significant influence on decision and policy-makers among churches and various stakeholders.
In 2010, PCMN is engaging churches, communities and FBOs in special advocacy activities on significant and current issues on children such as anti-corporal punishment, anti-child pornography, child and youth participation rights and disaster reduction and mitigation.
5. Special Projects
Stop Exploitation and Trafficking of People-Unlimited Potential (Step-UP), a cooperation with Visayan Forum, is a program directed towards providing employable skills such as knowledge in computer to our of school youth and adults who are at risk of being trafficked and exploited. Currently, 329 people have been trained in computer skills in four areas in partnership with Eastern Samar Child Rights’ Advocates Network, Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary, Volunteers of Christ and Voice of Grace Compassion Ministry.
Child Sexual Abuse Prevention (CSAP) is a program towards capacitating local churches and FBOs in preventing sexual abuse among children in Northern Samar and in Metro Manila.This is a cooperation with Stairway Foundation.
