The Shechem Children’s Home is continuing to provide safe, Christ-centered care for child survivors of online sexual exploitation in the Philippines. As an assessment center, children generally stay for a period of months so that the social workers, therapists, and families can figure out the plan that is best for the child moving forward. Analyn Ablao works as the house manager at Shechem Children’s Home, a position where she helps coordinate the social workers and house parents who work with the children. Below, you can read her report of the last several months at Shechem.
A HEALTHY HOME Despite this pandemic issue, the children at Shechem home feel safe and happy, though they miss their families. They feel safe and assured that they will not get this virus because they are aware that the home is practicing the precautionary safety measures. Our 4-year-old girl said, “We are safe here because whoever comes inside the home, we won’t touch them unless they changed their clothes, wash their hands, and put alcohol.” Another 4-year-old said, “This germ will not stay in my hands because I put soap and water and it will kill it.” Right now, seven children are living in the home— three boys and four girls ranging in age from 4 to 14. All the children and staff remain healthy and well; they are even learning to love eating their vegetables. A 7-year-old girl said, “…here at Shechem I learned many things, especially eating vegetables… I am happy that I [am] learn[ing] to love eating vegetables, especially ampalaya, [a bitter gourd]. But fried chicken is still my favorite.”
THERAPY THROUGH ACTIVITIES Therapeutic activities continue to be a helpful intervention to children. A 13-year-old boy has irrational feelings of worthlessness brought about by repeated traumatic experiences, and it paralyzes him. Emotional coaching and facilitating self-regulation skills through art therapy, anger management, and journaling have helped him greatly. He can regulate on his own. According to his therapist, he rocks himself back and forth while feeling undesirable emotions. This helps him manage strong emotions with conscious effort. He can read his body’s cues to determine emotions that he is experiencing. At the Shechem Children’s Home, we are always trying to give the children appropriate means of expressing themselves and processing their emotions. Art therapy continues to be an effective method, especially for the younger children to express their feelings through their artwork. Likewise, Jiu-Jitsu training sessions continue to have a great impact; three children are participating through online training. One boy used to bully and fight other children. Since practicing Jiu-Jitsu, he has a safe, healthy outlet and has become friends with the other children.
SUCCESS STORY: CHEN Chen*, age five, talks about her family all the time. Her experience with exploitation and trauma made it difficult for her to interact with her peers in a healthy way, and she acted out physically. Though young, she struggles with anger and insecurity; during an art therapy session, she told the staff that she feels angry with her parents for often leaving her and her younger brother alone. At Shechem, Chen has participated in therapy, including art therapy and journaling, and she has worked closely with the home’s social workers. Through art, she is learning how to understand the strong emotions she feels. “Chen is now able to regulate her feelings,” her therapist said. “She knows what activities can help her calm down like drawing, playing with toys, and other kids.” Chen is beginning to heal and grow a little at a time. The other children at the home love to play with her now, and Chen is learning more about the love of others and the love of Christ, too.
*Children’s names are changed for safety.
MOVING FORWARD IN PRAYER — TO GOD BE THE GLORY! The staff at Shechem also shared goals and prayer requests for the future of both the children and the home. We encourage you to consider the requests below as you pray for the children, their families, and the staff.
• Discernment and wisdom in developing proper care, therapy, and placement for the children during the assessment period at Shechem
• The development of growth and resilience in the children through therapy and other house activities
• The right words and actions to empower the children by giving them knowledge of OSEC and that they would be able to help other children protect themselves as well
• A strong spiritual presence in the home
• Good communication with the families of each child
• Wisdom in stewardship, that we may be able to use our equipment, supplies, and resources well
• Strong relationships between staff members through accountability, counseling, and team building