> "You're never too young to make a difference!"

The orange jacket girls are some of the coolest change makers we've ever met!

Technically still children themselves, they already feel 'a sense of responsibility' to younger children and their future.

We joined the girls as they set up a BCA, we'll let them explain...

Just press play!

Including child voices in policy discussions is a new concept in this region. The BCA experience is positive but also eye-opening for children and the community.

Here's a just a few thoughts from some of the children on our last check in...

“Being part of Barangay Children’s Association, I feel like I am very important. Because our concerns as children are being heard. Usually, if it is from children, they won’t listen, right? So I feel very important and also happy because this time our voices as children will be heard… It's a bridge to advocate for children’s rights.” Noryasmin, 15

“At first, I didn’t know about World Vision. But now I learned a lot, such as the rights of the children. We enjoyed the activity so much!" Sittie, 11

“Just because we are young doesn't mean we can't contribute. Being part of BCA, I feel happy and excited for our upcoming activities so that we can all be more entertained and learn from interacting with others.” Naima, 13

“I felt very nervous when I arrived here because I did not know anyone and I was like, “Oh my God, maybe I can’t do this. But I was shocked when I met the team because they are actually good and they are very friendly, especially the staff (facilitators) of BCA.” Yasmin, 15

“The children are the hope of our nation.” Suhair, 13

A BCA is essentially, a child council that has direct access and a place to speak and advise at the local government level. A 'barangay' is like a local council region.

Barangay Children Association (BCAs) are made up of children under 18 years old. Whilst we help facilitate the region wide programmes and oversee safety, logistics, training and governance, the actual meetings, activities and ownership is given to the children leaders.

Each of the 10 BCAs elect their student officers. This is voted for by the children, not the adults.

Each BCA has a (child) President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, Information Officer, and Business Manager. These officers have the opportunity to speak up for children's rights, voice out children’s issues and concerns, and make sure they have a say in policymaking both locally and nationally.

They utilise various community organizing strategies like meetings, trainings, and committees to carry out their work and goals of empowering children and advocating for their rights.

Your gift helps the team to provide leadership training and support with logistics, but it is the child leaders who truly take ownership of teaching and empowering the younger children.

Officers elected to the BCA take extreme pride in their role and their orange jacket. There is a sense of pride but also of deep responsibility to themselves, family and community. These children know opportunities like this are precious and not to be wasted.

The BCA programme is a stand out example of how your gift is helping children not only survive and recover but to ensure their rights are understood and included giving them the tools needed to one day build a future.