Denver Gap Year has several local and international partners, and in this blog we wanted to take time to highlight an incredible ministry that participants will get to work alongside with.
Today over 1.5 million children live homeless in the Philippines and are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. In Manila alone thousands of street children are trapped in cycles of poverty. They live every day vulnerable to trafficking, gang induction, and exploitation. Children’s Garden has a mission to make a difference. They are an orphanage based in Manila, Philippines for former street children. Children’s Garden serves their community through means of a boy’s home, girl’s home, and aftercare programs.
Boy’s Home
They provide teen boys with love, food, shelter, education, spiritual guidance and a family living environment. The boys in turn reach out to others still on the streets, sharing their own stories of hope and God’s love!
Girl’s Home
Caring for girls who have experienced sexual exploitation and abuse, Children’s Garden gives love, counseling, and ongoing expert care. They work with each girl to prepare them for academic success, restoration in relationships, and inner healing.
Aftercare
Once the young men and women turn 18, they receive housing, skills training, educational support, and mentorship through Children’s Garden aftercare programs, supporting them as they transition towards independent living.
At the end of the first Denver Gap Year term, students and staff will travel to Manila, Philippines to serve alongside Children’s Garden orphanage for former street children. The purpose of this trip will be to assist the mission of Children’s Garden, learn about poverty, and challenge participants on global injustice issues.
We fully believe in the work Children’s Garden is doing to serve the next generation of Manila. If you would like to find out more, visit their website here.
If you are interested in joining Denver Gap Year, get started by filling out our Participant Application.