LINCOLN

Note: When the following request came in, we responded and working with the Nuns directly. The Orphan Grain Train began delivering food that is used in 10 houses the sisters have set up to keep homeless children off the dangerous streets.

(click on the photos to enlarge)

Greetings from the Philippines!

Through Sr. Carmel Simpauco, OSB, we have been introduced to Kids Against hunger program.

Just a few data regarding Filipino Children. According to the latest UNICEF survey, 6 million Filipino children from different urban and rural areas are malnourished. More than 200,000 are living on the streets exposed to unsavory influences while 60,000 are in danger of sexual exploitation. Of children under the age of six, at least 66 percent do not have any form of childcare.

To provide a mental image of the plight of the poorest children in the Philippines, one just need stroll along the streets of Metro Manila and be confronted with sight of small children in tattered shirts begging for alms, kids huddled together sniffing rugby, children desperately crying for food, a six-year-old girl selling her rags to motorists in the middle of a busy highway, among others. Malnutrition is also at its worst in the country side.

Our Priory Socio-Pastoral Coordinators during it's recently concluded meeting discussed the possibility of extending the program to our 16 pastoral centers nationwide serving children of poor families in urban as well as rural areas.

In this regard, we would like to request that Filipino Children be included also in your food for hungry children program. Our Manila office will take care of the distribution to the different areas.

Thank you very much!

SISTER M. CECILLE IDO, OSB
Socio-Pastoral Apostolate Chairperson Missionary Benedictine Sisters
St. Scholastica's Priory