Open Heart Foundation Worldwide, Inc.

A national children’s conference organized by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) was held at the Gems Hotel in Antipolo City on August 28 - 30, 2009. The primary objective of the conference is for the children to bring forth the positive efforts and effective practices that have been undertaken, and the priority issues and concerns that should be addressed by the State being a signatory to the UNCRC. The main participants in this activity were children who have been selected by their respective agencies to talk about issues and concerns of children. Each representative must have knowledge about children’s issues and is able to communicate well with the other participants.

The participants had several workshops and activities. On the first day, they had their introduction and teambuilding activities led by an adult facilitator. In this activity, they expressed their expectations for the coming days. They also set their own guidelines of conduct in order to fulfil the expectations.

A review on the history and scope of the UNCRC was given by UNICEF's Child Protection Specialist, Jess Far. There was a review on the four key principles of child's rights – non discrimination, best interest of children, right to survival and development and respect for the opinion and insights of children and the 4 categories of child's rights.

CWC shared about the serious situation of violence against children. An advocacy campaign in cd form on “Children Against Violence” entitled “Lipad”, inspired the participants to send out their wishes in paper planes. Greenpeace, an organization that advocates for the environment also shared about the impact of climate change on children. Children and youth play an important role in making a difference in keeping our environment clean to save Mother Earth.

In the first workshop, the children surfaced the good practices and positive efforts that are being undertaken in addressing the rights of children at the community level as well as the challenges and the negative situations encountered. Some of the positive practices mentioned are: the existence of education and training on various relevant themes; balik aral program; alternative learning system; active Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children and the psychosocial interventions provided by social worker of the various agencies. Some of the negative practices of adults mentioned are: the bad influence, child sexual exploitation, trafficking of children and their organs, vices, low income of families and pornography.

Several stakeholders from the government were invited to present to the participants some of the highlights of their accomplishments during the year. In the evening, they had their cultural night where each island group presented their culture either through dance or songs. They had a great night indeed. Each one showed their talents and skills. It was evident that the children have established self confidence and good interpersonal relationships among themselves.

On the last day, the participants were given time to think of their criteria in selecting their representative to the ASEAN children’s forum. Two boys and two girls were identified and two others will serve as alternate representatives. The participants voted for their choice through secret balloting. The chosen representatives will present at the ASEAN Forum the output of the national conference.

The finale of the 3-day national conference was the setting of commitment which was through candle lighting. This was the most emotional part because this was the time for the children to say goodbye to one another as they go back to their own respective areas. Tears rolled as they sang their final song and waved their goobyes. The friendship that was built for three days has to end temporarily, but in spirit, it will always be there as they continue to hope that their best interest is put into priority.

The adult companions had their separate workshops and activities so that the children participants can freely express themselves in the activities set for them. The responsibility of the adults was to support the participants to share their experiences when they go back to their respective organizations.