Last May, SFI children in the Family Home Program completed their 10 month stay in Stairway. Now reunified with their respective families, most have adjusted well. Read below some of the anecdotes from the children’s experiences back home.
Jerry shared that there was a class activity where the students had to share their life stories. He was the first in class to share his story because he felt it would be beneficial for the students to understand about street children and children’s rights. After sharing, he gained popularity in class and many of the students were amazed by him. He was nominated as class PRO (press relations officer).
John had been in Stairway for three years. This would be the first time he had seen his father and his siblings in several years. He is enrolled in Grade 1 but after 3 weeks, he was accelerated to Grade 2.
Richard is still adjusting to his father’s family. At first, he called everyone including father, aunt, uncle, and grandparents by “Ate” (Big Sister) and “Kuya” (Big Brother) like we do in Stairway, but after some time, he learned to call them by their proper title. He is helpful with household chores and enjoys the company of his family.
Peter is in grade 4. He lives with his grandparents. He has a positive attitude. When he wakes early in the morning, he takes the broom and cleans the surroundings, does the dishes and washes his clothes. The family is pleased with the positive attitude of Peter. Peter’s grandmother relayed that a classmate was being bullied by other classmates and Peter stood up and told the bullies to stop bullying others because it is disrespectful. The students wanted to fight with Peter, but he ignored them and reported the bullies to the teacher.
Arnold is persevering. Although he is 16 years old and is in Grade 3, he perseveres nonetheless. During his free time, he helps his mother in selling vegetables.
Gilbert is in Grade 3. He’s doing very well in school according to his father, who is also quite pleased with the behavioral changes of his son since he had been home.
Ronald is enrolled in the Alternative Learning System program. He’s living with his aunt and uncle. Ronald has relayed that life is hard and is full of challenges, but he is able to grow as an individual in the real world.
Let’s hope that the children will continue to persevere and thrive in their new environments!
Congratulations!