International Teams is pleased to announce the formation of a new program, Impact Philippines. Led by native Filipino, Andy Busa, this program develops and empowers homeless street children, youth with addictions, and marginalized families to become productive members of society.
In partnership with a local church, Impact Philippines will work with the desperately poor building relationships, encouraging literacy, promoting hygiene and nutrition, establishing income-generating projects and facilitating drop-in centres.
With 80% of the population surviving on less than $2 per day, the average Filipino lives in desperate poverty. Impact Philippines initiates projects that build self-esteem and create hope for children and families who would otherwise despair.
“I believe that Impact Philippines will make a big difference to the urban poor,” said Andy Busa, “because our projects are designed to promote empowerment and self-reliance. Not only are we helping alleviate poverty but we are also emphasizing the spiritual and social transformation of Filipinos in order to encourage them to become productive contributors to their communities.”
In the Cavite City dumpsite, for example, where 1000 people make their living scrounging through the refuse, International Teams feeds children and offers a literacy program. Women may join a sewing class so that they may become more employable.
“My goal is to partner with churches and other organizations in Canada so that together we can help build the lives of marginalized Filipinos who are living in the most economically depressed communities in the country.”
