According to the 2003 Situationer of Street Children in the Philippines, 25 precent of the country’s total children live on the streets. While the boys are, in some ways, able to fend for themselves, street girls are more susceptible to physical and sexual exploitation. There are also not enough facilities that can accommodate the health and medical needs of these young women, making them more vulnerable to teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Tahanan Sta. Luisa, a crisis intervention and rehabilitation center for sexually and physically abused girls, will be providing therapy to 23 rescued street girls through their Healing and Recovery Program. The organization will provide the girls with psychological services like counseling, psychiatric assessment, and art therapy, eventually preparing them for independent living and family reunification. Through these activities, the girls might be able to foster positive habits that can help develop their productivity and self-esteem.

While this is a noble cause, it will be difficult for Tahanan Sta. Luisa to accomplish it on its own. They aim to raise $17,000 to fund the girls’ rehabilitation, and they still have a long way to go. If you’re interested to help, you can donate here. For more information, you can visit the Tahanan Sta Luisa website or call 931-9853.

(Photo by Joseph Ferris III via Flickr Creative Commons)