Eyewitness: A New Dawn in the Philippines thru PREDA Boys Home.

By Sophie Newsome, edited by Jim Luce. Olongapo, Philippines
August 14, 2012

The Jeepney’s engine is roaring up the streets that tie up the hills of Olongapo.  I am commuting to the PREDA Boys’ Home – a Social and Human Development Center.  PREDA is a Non-Government Organization (NGO) that has been active in the Philippines for 38 years.

The Boys’ Home, also known as Bukang Liwayway (BL) meaning “dawn” in Tagalog, is a rehabilitation center for boys currently ranging from 12 to 19 years old.  There is an average of 48 boys per year at BL.  These boys have been rescued from jails, the streets, drug use, or harmful family dynamics.  Most of the boys were imprisoned and accused of committing crimes ranging from theft to murder or rape.  With the help of PREDA paralegal officers, 70% of the boys’ cases get dropped.  Because children are easy targets they are often framed to appease victims.

Fr. Shay Cullen, is an Irish priest who co-found PREDA.  His journey to help the people of the Philippines started in 1969 when he came to the Philippines as a missionary.  On February 22, 1974 PREDA opened its doors to street children, children from jails, and children with family problems.  PREDA eventually expanded to help fight against the sex trafficking, physical abuse, and sexual abuse of children in the Philippines.  There are currently 88 Filipino professionals who help run PREDA along with volunteers from around the world.

I arrive at the large and beautiful Boy’s home in Nabagayan, Castillejos.  The building feels inviting and free with large windows to let in the fresh air– sweetened by grass and rain.  The building is on an organic farm with a small stream, fields, and hills surrounding it.  The boys learn to work on the farm and fish in surrounding waters.

“There are no guards or gates at BL.  If the boys want to leave, they can.  We build trust with the boys, and most of them stay.

Read full article @ www.preda.org

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