Philippine Children’s Ministries Network

My Vote was Counted

Last April 16 2011 , the youth of Tondo Blessed Hope Bible Baptist Church vote to support the “World’s children’s prize for the rights of a child” Ballot boxes made of carton with picture of the 3 candidates. 46 less fortunate children living in Binondo participated. We told them about the global rights of a child, and these rights supposed to be known by them and to be respected by adults. It made a big impact especially when we showed them the three candidates, stories and mission. They are Cecilia Flores Oebanda of Visayan forum from Philippines, Monira Rahaman of Acid Survivor from Bangladesh , and Mohammad Murhabazzi of Democratic Republic of Congo.

The voters heard the hardships and experience of the children being oppressed. Through the 3 candidates, they knew organizations that are ready to fight for their rights. Even the parents who were listening were educated on how they should take care and fight for the rights of the children in the Philippines, and children around the world. The children aged 10-17 years old were excited to experiencing global voting where their rights are used through a peaceful election. After registration, the campaigning of the provided deeds by the candidates took place.

The children were given ballots in which they would drop to the boxes of candidates they would vote for. A voter will be marked with blue ink on the thumb after voting so that the organizers can identify those who did not voted yet. That day was filled with knowledge. Even though the heat of mid day was strong, the children endured it because they were happy and exited. The children experience how to vote for the first time. “I feel very special because my vote was counted” Eddie Sevilla commented.

At exactly 4:00 pm , We opened the boxes and counted the votes, Cecilia had 32 votes, Monira had 9 votes , and Mohammad get 5 votes . At 5:45 pm the event was ended by a group prayer. We prayed that the rights of the children will not be taken aside and no child should be abused.

Wilfred Galvez
Tondo Blessed Hope Bible Baptist Church