In celebration of the International Day of the Girl-Child, Heart of Mary Villa, the residential care program of the NCR Consolidated Ministries held a program at the Jubilee Park, Good Shepherd Convent Quezon City last Oct 29, 2024.
In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly designated October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child to recognize girls’ rights and the challenges girls face globally. It is an occasion to highlight the need to respond to the challenges girls face, promoting their empowerment. This year’s theme is “Girls’ vision for the future”. The program itself showcased this theme as the girls themselves served as hosts and performers. A little girl of six even gave the opening address!
Social workers Hannah and Danica explained the background and theme. They shared how girls today are facing various challenges such as climate crisis, conflict and poverty. There are still many circumstances where girls “are still denied their rights, restricting their choices and limiting their futures.” Yet it is also recognized that they remain hopeful for the future. This was evident at the posters made by the girls for the occasion and in their eagerness to share their talents during the program. They confidently sang, danced and played musical instruments that expressed their joy and aspirations.
The sisters, partners in mission and the girls themselves were all delighted with all that was prepared for the celebration. Even sisters on their wheelchairs came to show solidarity! Indeed, everyone is called to be “allies” of these girls and children, constant source of encouragement and support towards the realization of their own vision for their future. It is our prayer and hope that their stay at Heart of Mary Villa, or at any Good Shepherd shelter, will help them overcome the experiences that for a time dimmed their future. As we continue to embody the mission of the Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the heritage of care left to us by St John Eudes and St Mary Euphrasia, may we all contribute to the promised “fullness of life” for these girls and children.
The celebration concluded with a Jollibee lunch treat for the girls and children by our Good Shepherd Lay Affiliates, adding more smiles to their faces.
