Programs : Programs for Women and Children

In an environment of extreme poverty, women and children are often the most at risk. ICM has programs specifically targeted to support and empower women and children in their fight against poverty.

Preschools

ICM’s preschools are offered to the most vulnerable children in communities with limited or no access to educational opportunities. The goal is to prepare students to enter the public school system by giving them a head start on reading, writing and math skills. But the overall benefit of ICM’s preschool program reaches far beyond education. Students receive nutritious meals each day prepared by teams of parents who are taught the value of a balanced diet. Their parents also receive weekly classes in health care and spiritual life issues in the context of a new network of friendships. ICM’s preschools inspire hope to entire communities and show new potential for the next generation.

In 2008/9, ICM will operate 38 preschools, which will allow 950 students and their families to participate. To facilitate these schools, ICM will employ two teachers per school, bringing added financial stability to 76 families. We are currently raising funds to provide grants for each of the preschool graduates to continue into public school.

Highlights of the Preschool Program in 2007/08 include:

• Number of preschools operated in 2007/08: 22
• Number of students enrolled: 537
• Number of meals served during the 10-month school year: 115,455
• Number of parents attending weekly classes in health care and spiritual life issues: 658
• Number of teachers employed: 44 Number of children continuing into public school in 2008/09: 385

In 2008/9, ICM will be operating 38 preschools, which will allow 950 students and their families to participate. To facilitate these schools, ICM will employ two teachers per school, bringing added financial stability to 76 families. We are currently raising funds to provide grants for each of the preschool graduates to continue into public school.

“The significance of feeding in our preschools cannot be underestimated. While students in other schools bring lunchboxes with whatever their parents have managed to prepare for them from their inadequate budget, our students bring empty lunchboxes where they can put their leftovers to be eaten for dinner.”Annie Tapuz – Regional In-Charge for Preschools in Dumaguete

Children’s Shelter

ICM’s Dumaguete children’s shelter houses and cares for 17 children and young adults who have no families to support them. Some of the children have a physical or mental disability. In order to support their special needs, either physical, mental or emotional, ICM has been operating a school at the shelter for the children. However, since June 2008, to increase the children’s involvement with the local community, all but one of the children have been attending public school.

Highlights of the Children’s Shelter in 2007/08 include:

• Number of children at the shelter: 17
• Home cooked meals served: 18,615+
• Hugs given: immeasurable!

Seventeen-year-old Susan Entong has lived at ICM’s Children’s Shelter since being badly burned more than four years ago. Having undergone a series of 8 operations to repair her damaged body she is now a key member of the Shelter. She lists her hobbies as “bowling, going to the mall and spending time with friends and family”. These are the things most kids take for granted, but not Susan!

Ministry to Precious Women

ICM’s Ministry to Precious Women is geared to help women leave prostitution. Individualized assistance and micro loans are provided to each woman to develop alternative livelihoods, such as becoming a tricycle taxi driver, running a sari-sari store, cooking or making handicrafts. Additionally, the 25 participants receive 4kgs of rice each week to supplement the nutritional needs of their families. The women also attend primary health education and basics in Christian living courses. Their children of preschool age are enrolled in an ICM preschool. This yearlong program provides a buffer of safety as the women seek to establish their new lifestyles. In 2008/09 the MPW will open in Negros Occidental and in Mindanao, allowing a total of 75 additional women and their families to be served through this program.

“My name is Roselle, a recipient of Ministry for Precious Women… Before my life has no direction, I used to work as a ‘bar girl’ in one of the night spots here in Bacolod. My life was full of miseries and I don’t know what to do where to go and what is my life to be. Until a program for ‘prostitutes’ was opened in our place. I learned about Jesus through the Bible study. . . Now, I’m faithfully serving Him . . . my live-in partner and I vowed our commitment in marriage . . . Praise God also for the micro loan. It really was a great help for my family. Aside from our little business, I also work as manicurist and doing laundry, just to add to our daily needs. I’m happy even with this kind of work as long as it’s a decent work. To God Be The Glory!” Roselle – MPW Recipient