Our regional work has also brought us to the capital of Philippines, Manila where street children and youths are stuck in perpetual poverty because of the lack of educational and livelihood opportunities.  MILK also reaches out to children in Tala, a community with the history of housing leprosy patients in the past. MILK’s programmes in Philippines are managed by MILK Philippines, a foundation set up by local businessmen and philanthropists.


1) Street children of Manila

On the grime roads and alleys of Manila City, street children and out-of-school youths from poor communities are constantly exposed to the dangers and falling prey to the temptations of the street e.g. substance abuse, prostitution, petty crimes and drug syndication.  Our programmes are aimed at enabling them access such opportunities so that they can uplift themselves and their communities economically.

• Vocational Training: MILK supports Tuloy Foundation to provide vocational training to youths.  Other than meeting the basic needs like food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, and basic literacy, the MILK grants provide training in 4 technical courses – Automotive Mechanic, Computer Technician/Data Encoder, Building Wiring Electrical/ Consumer Electronics and Refrigeration and Air-condition technology.  Equipped with livelihood skills and having received guidance in values development, these youths can grow up to acquire means of employment to help their families break out of the poverty cycle.

2) Improverished Children in Tala

The 20,000-people community in Tala (located about 18 miles east of Manila City) has lived with the stigma of being the ‘leper’ colony due to the legacy of the town housing people with leprosy in the past.  Even though the leprosy incidence rate is trifling, the town continues to be shunned by businesses and has suffered economically.  The children not only lack nutrition and educational opportunities, they also grow up with low self-esteem because of the reminders of their leper legacy and are demoralised by their bleak futures.

 To provide holistic and sustainable help that can alleviate poverty in Tala and elevate the community’s self-esteem, MILK taps on extensive local and overseas expertise to implement a range of programmes.

• Feeding and Preschool Programmes:  MILK works with Our Lady of the Star Nursery & Feeding Centre (run by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Sisters) to provide nourishing meals and preschool education to malnourished young children before they enter primary schools.  An early childhood education expert volunteer is engaged to work with the local partners to further develop the preschool curriculum which can provide the children with a strong educational foundation.
   
• Education Grants: The Holy Rosary schools ranging from primary to college academic levels are run by the Dominican Sisters to serve the educational needs of the children and youths in Tala region.  We believe in the importance of education as a crucial equaliser for children to access better opportunities in life.  Hence, in partnership with the Holy Rosary Schools, we provide scholarships for deserving and promising primary and secondary school students.
  
• Livelihood Programmes: To ensure transformational and sustainable work that can uplift a community from poverty, MILK has brought together local business people to implement livelihood programmes.  A welding apprenticeship course designed for young male school leavers have led them to acquire shipbuilding jobs upon successful completion of the course.  A ‘Hilot’ (Filipino-style massage with healing qualities) training programme for young mothers is also in place where trainees can go on to gain employment in spas and hotels.