Philippines: Interviewing the Parents

From Philippines 2011

The morning distribution was at a convent to which the children had been transported. The Sisters are very influential in the lives of the local people providing school supplies, advice, and medical assistance. Some of the children had noticeable medical problems.

My responsibility was to conduct interviews with parents about the bedkits. The information gleaned from these encounters reveals that living conditions are sub-standard with entire families sleeping on the floor with only cardboard as a buffer. The rainy season is particularly difficult because of heavy and frequent flooding. In some cases the breadwinner is unable to get to work thus cutting off the income for long periods of time. The children are prone to colds, flu, and TB.

When asked what item from the bedkit would be most beneficial the common reply was the school supplies because they could be shared among the siblings. If possible they would like vitamins added to the kit.

All of my interviewees wanted higher education for their children.

Faith Clark
for Team Philippines 2011

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