The Shechem Children’s Home is continuing to provide safe, Christ-centered care for child survivors of online sexual exploitation in the Philippines. As an assessment center, children generally stay for a period of months so that the social workers, therapists, and families can figure out the plan that is best for the child moving forward. Analyn Ablao works as the house manager at Shechem Children’s Home, a position where she helps coordinate the social workers and house parents who work with the children. Below, you can read her report of the last several months at Shechem.
A HEALTHY HOME Despite this pandemic issue, the children at Shechem home feel safe and happy, though they miss their families. They feel safe and assured that they will not get this virus because they are aware that the home is practicing the precautionary safety measures. Our 4-year-old girl said, “We are safe here because whoever comes inside the home, we won’t touch them unless they changed their clothes, wash their hands, and put alcohol.” Another 4-year-old said, “This germ will not stay in my hands because I put soap and water and it will kill it.” Right now, seven children are living in the home— three boys and four girls ranging in age from 4 to 14. All the children and staff remain healthy and well; they are even learning to love eating their vegetables. A 7-year-old girl said, “…here at Shechem I learned many things, especially eating vegetables… I am happy that I [am] learn[ing] to love eating vegetables, especially ampalaya, [a bitter gourd]. But fried chicken is still my favorite.”