The Philippines: A contrasting social context

• An archipelago of 7,641 islands in South East Asia
• 106 millions habitants
• 21.6% of the population is living below poverty line
• 250,000 street children in the Philippines
• 1 in 10 filipino youth between 6 and 24 years old is an out-of-school youth
• 2.1 million children aged 5 to 17 are victims of child labor
• 8 in 10 filipino children suffer in abuse and violence
• 30% of women have suffered physical abuse during their youth
• 1 in 5 youth aged 13 to 24 years old had been sexually violated

ACAY’s Observations

• Boys, as much as girls, are victims of sexual abuse.
• 60% of boys released from prison recidivate.
• At times the cultural traditions make that parental responsibilities weigh heavily on children’s shoulders.
• Few NGO’s are interested in taking care of youth aged over 15.