LARO, LAHOK, LIGTAS, AT LAGO [Mga Kwentong Pambata ukol sa Pagpapaunlad ng Pamayanan]

Can children take part in the community? Is there a child-friendly approach to children’s organizing?

The answer of course is a big YES! 

This was affirmed during the online discussion and the book launch last September 7, 2021 of Tsikiting Stories aptly entitled LARO, LAHOK, LIGTAS, AT LAGO: Mga Kwentong Pambata ukol sa Pagpapaunlad ng Pamayanan.  Organized by the University of the Philippines Los Banos Department of Human and Family Development Studies (DHFDS) and the Department of Social Development Services (DSDS), it supports Lingap’s firm belief in the positive contribution of children and their organizations towards community transformation.  

Weeks prior to this event, Lingap’s children partners participated in an online discussion to craft some of the Tsikiting Stories.  It allowed children participants to share about their children’s organizing or chi-o experiences and how the children’s sector contributed to efforts to respond to COVID-19 challenges in their community.  These experiences were given life thru the children characters of Maymay, Lani ang batang langgam, ang mayang si Mutya, Gita Pugita at ang Pamilya Organisado.   

The Tsikiting Stories will serve as an effective way of documenting, learning and sharing children’s experiences to fellow children.  

“We are very happy to be part of this activity.  We are proud that our work as children and as part of our children’s organization is shared to inspire other children,” said Johan, one of the participants.  

“The Tsikiting stories and the discussion during the webinar will help boost children’s confidence and faith in their capabilities that even as young children, they can do something for the community,” added Annamelle.  

Although there is no question as to what the children can do, especially collectively, Dr. Wilfredo Awitan, stressed the need for an enabling environment to support children’s participation.  Adult participants were enjoined to help ensure that mechanisms are in place for children’s participation to thrive and to be sustained.  

Lingap Pangkabataan, Incorporated, thru its Enhancing Children’s Capacities for Advocacy and Participation or ECCAP, is closely working with children for decades already.  Thru ECCAP community-based children’s associations or CBCAs are formed and mobilized to create venues for genuine children’s participation in promoting their rights and welfare.  

Currently, Lingap works with the Children’s Association of Balangiga, UCCP-Lawaan Children and Youth Fellowship, Sta. Margarita Youth Association, Empower Include and Protect Children Advocacy Group, Shelter Park Youth and Children’s Organization, Youth Supporting and Promoting Empathy, Action, and Knowledge, ESCOPA 3 Kilos Kabataan para sa Bayan, Loving, Caring Community Children of BASECO, KAPASKI.

CBCAs elect their representatives to the LPI National Children’s Congress and the National Children’s Congress elects five children representatives to the Lingap General Assembly and the Board of Trustees.  

For copies of the Tsikiting Stories, you may coordinate with the UP Los Banos Department of Human and Family Development Studies or access the online copies by clicking this link (1) ‪#‎tsikitingstories‬ – Explore | Facebook