Since 2011, October 11 each year is celebrated as International Day of the Girl as established by the United Nations. It aims to recognize girls’ rights, celebrate their leadership and potential, and highlight the unique challenges and discrimination they face worldwide. Good Shepherd Sisters join this global initiative as part of our commitment to children and girls.
IDG at Headstart Bagong Silangan
The celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child (IDG) at Headstart Play and Learn Day Care Center in Bagong Silangan, Quezon City was conducted through a three-day Prayer and Reflection session held on October 3, October 4, and October 11. Each day focused on different topics:
- Day 1: Human Trafficking and Refugees
- Day 2: Ecology and Animals (Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi)
- Day 3: Mental Health and Education
The Heart of IDG: Children and Youth
The three-day sessions and celebration of IDG were participated in by 35 young girls and boys aged 7–13 years old and 10 youth members of Kabataan ng Mabuting Pastol, aged 14–23 years old. All participants came from the nearby communities surrounding Headstart Play and Learn.
Every afternoon, the children and youth gathered to participate in the IDG activities through prayer and reflection. Each session began with an introduction to the topic led by their community organizer/social worker, Bianca Agaceta, followed by a short prayer centered on the day’s theme. The prayers were led by assigned youth and children.
Also, aside from these 3-day activity, students under the Headstart ECCD (Early Childhood Care and Development) program were also given IDG sessions in class.
Creative Expressions
After the prayer, the participants engaged in short activities such as sharing, role-playing, and drawing. Through these activities, the children and youth were given the opportunity to express their ideas, feelings, and talents. These activities also served as a time for them to collaborate, build trust, and develop their leadership skills.
Prayer and Reflection
At the end of each session, the participants offered their own closing prayers. One prayer from a child particularly stood out. In the prayer, the child expressed a wish for all children like them, both those participating in the session and those living in other places, to have a safe and decent home to return to, enough food to eat, and protection from harm. What makes it especially meaningful is when after he prayed, he expressed that it was his first time praying in such way and offering a prayer for other children like himself.
This simple yet meaningful prayer reflected the child’s awareness of the rights and the importance of every child, including children like themselves. It showed how the activity helped the children become more aware of the realities faced by other children and the importance of ensuring that every child is safe, cared for, and able to live with dignity.
Why IDG Matters
April, a 13-year old girl shared why IDG is important to a girl like her: “Kasi dito po nila nararamdaman na pinapahalagahan sila at binibigyan ng pansin lalo na yung mga batang babae na kagaya ko at pinapaalala na sila ay may halaga at may karapatan. Pwede din po nilang maramdaman ang pag papahalaga. Pwede din ito makatulong sa kanilang pag laki na may tiwala sa sarili at malaman na may halaga sila.”
Orly, 19 years old, reflected on IDG’s role in the community, “Mahalaga po yon (IDG sessions) para komunidad natin para din aware po tayo na nangyayari ang iba’t ibang isyu at mga ganoong bagay, para rin alam ng mga bata ang mga bagay na yon. Para maiwasan nila ang ganong sitwasyon aware sila na mangyayari na pala sa kanila.”
Indeed, IDG is not only a celebration but a recognition of the value of every child’s life and the rights of every child, especially girls. It also served as an opportunity to raise awareness among the children and youth about the different issues and challenges faced by children today, as well as the things they can do together with their community to help address these concerns.
Through prayer, reflection, and creative activities, the celebration reminded the children and youth that even at a young age, they can develop compassion, understand the rights of others, and take part in creating a safer, more caring, and supportive community for every child.
Education and Care Through the Years
The Headstart Play and Learn Day Care Center was established in 2001 by Sr. Mary James Wilson, RGS as an early childhood education program for indigent children in Bagong Silangan. Through the years, with the generous support of volunteers, benefactors, partners in mission, particularly the Lay Affiliates of the Good Shepherd and other partner organizations, the ministry has expanded to include community-based programs for youth and women, particularly mothers. Headstart is a member agency of the St. Mary Euphrasia Integrated Development Foundation, Inc. and is part of Our Lady of Hope Social Services. It also serves as an outreach program of the Heart of Mary Villa Convent in Quezon City committed to giving voice to children and girls beyond IDG.
By: Ms Bianca Nichole Agaceta, RSW
