The family is the basic unit of society, but it also can influence the member-individual the most. The Kapatiran-Kaunlaran Foundation Inc. (KKFI) believes in its importance in honing gifts and enabling people to unleash their potential to enjoy the fullness of life.
“Likharal” (Create and Learn) is the summer program of KKFI in reaching out to children from different communities. It aims to teach about the love of Jesus and to minister to them by advocating their cause.
This year, the theme of LikhAral is “Tahanan at Ako” (Home and Me). Tahanan came from the root word “tahan” which means to “stop crying”. Just like home. We find peace when we are at home.
With all the happening around us, it is difficult to find peace. Sometimes, even at home there is no peace.
Children experience several problems when they belong to a broken family. They encounter emotional breakdown and suffer depression which can lead to suicide.
Some are affected in terms of their attendance and performance in school. Filipino children feel insecure and some become irrational and suffer from anxiety disorder. Children who have no parental guidance tend to do what they want as long as they feel happy. Some of them may even get involved in drugs or other teens may get into pre-marital sexual activities.
The KKFI saw the effects of the brokenness of families in the communities and its impact on children’s psyche. The need to address families is so strong and urgent! That is why KKFI purposely created the theme “Tahanan at Ako”—to strengthen the families that children and youth may have a piece of peace when they are at home.
The theme has five sub-topics: Kabahagi, Kapamilya, Kapatiran, Kaharian, and Kapistahan.
“Kabahagi” emphasized the sense of belongingness to a family. “Kapamilya” is to strengthen the roles and responsibilities of family members. “Kapatiran” discussed the part of a family towards transformation of the community. “Kaharian” gives hope to children and youth that a Father in Heaven cares and loves them and they belong to His kingdom. “Kapistahan” is to celebrate families, perfect or not, a family is still gift in one way or another.
To add, LikhAral 2019 advocates against violence and abuse inside the homes. “Hinipuan po ako ng tatay ko” (I experienced malicious touch from my father) said “Happy” (not her real name) during one of the sessions of LikhAral. Happy is not the only one who disclosed an abuse inside their homes.
Through LikhAral, these issues were addressed and acted upon. Children need to feel safe and secure to enjoy the fullness of life.
This year, LikhAral reached 870 children and youth from seven communities. We will conduct LikhaAral again next year and the next. In fact, KKFI will continue to journey with the children until all are safely home.