The Philippines, a country marked by significant economic migration

The country has a population of 214 million. With a poverty rate of 10%, it ranks fifth out of the 11 countries in South-East Asia. This poverty forces Filipinos to work abroad for very long periods in order to support their families. 
There are 2.5 million of them, 55% women and 45% men, working in Asia, the Middle East, North America and Europe. These ‘Overseas Filipino Workers’ send substantial remittances home (€34 billion in 2023), which make a major contribution to the national economy and to raising their families' standard of living. 

But this situation has a high human cost. The workers return to the Philippines at most once a year: the prolonged separation from parents and children leads to serious psychological and emotional problems.

"The children feel abandoned and alone, and may develop anti-social behaviour, rebellion or even suicidal tendencies. These children often also have difficulties at school, resulting in a high drop-out rate. They are also more likely to become drug addicts.
Under the care of guardians (a relative, uncle or aunt, etc.), they are sometimes mistreated.
Guardians themselves often lack adequate parenting skills
to manage the emotional needs of children." Sr Maria Socorro 

Marriages, for their part, are put to the test, with a high failure rate among couples where one has left to work abroad.

The project: protecting children to meet the challenges of family separation

The Daughters of Charity called on the UGAT Foundation, a Jesuit organisation promoting the mental health of individuals and families, to run sessions with the children of overseas workers in their schools and institutions. The Foundation's social work, psychology and education specialists have recognised expertise tailored to the needs of migrant children.
The programme aims to be effective over the long term. It will take the form of listening workshops and personalised interactions, and an evaluation of their impact. 

- The aim of the ‘Care and Guidance’ workshops is to help children understand their unique situation and manage their emotions linked to the separation, by encouraging them to recognise and express their appreciation, particularly about their parents' work.

- The Youth Camp will then be used to encourage children to take charge of their lives and set goals for themselves, teaching them life skills and ‘inspiration’ for a positive new start..

- The counseling-style workshops for guardians will seek to raise their awareness of the psychosocial impact of family separation and provide them with tools to better support their children. They will be able to improve their parenting skills and their understanding of children's emotional needs. 

In all, 8 batches of 70-100 children (mainly teenagers) and the same number of guardians will benefit from this psychosocial and educational programme. 

With Them, Thanks to You!