Kid Resilience Mental Health Workshop: Building Emotional Strength Updates

November 2024 - January 2025:

Bringing Mental Health Workshops to Orphanages and Public Schools in Marginalized Communities.

On November 8, 2024, Let Love Thrive hosted the Kid Resilience Workshop at Silangan Public School, a government-funded institution in a marginalized community in Taguig. Overcrowded and underfunded, the school struggles with a staggering 60:1 student-teacher ratio, leaving many children without the individual care they need.

These children face more than academic challenges. Many are growing up amid poverty, abandonment, and unstable home environments, making emotional resilience a crucial lifeline. We worked with 30 students across 29 classes, in a session designed to equip them with tools to navigate their emotions and build inner strength.

Through icebreaker games, group activities, and reflective exercises, these young minds began to unlock their potential for resilience, showing us their capacity to thrive even in adversity. This workshop reminded us that with the right support, even the most vulnerable children can find their strength and courage to face life’s challenges.

We are currently collaborating with Mindcare Club Nonprofit, a network of mental health professionals in the Philippines, to develop a training module that will equip teachers with the skills to create supportive classrooms and integrate basic mental health support tools into their teaching.

A Heartfelt Workshop at Ang Bahay Parola Orphanage

On November 9, 2024, we visited Ang Bahay Parola orphanage in Santa Rosa, Laguna, to conduct a workshop for 18 girls aged 7-15. This orphanage, a haven for some of the most severe cases of abandonment and poverty identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, is now on the brink of closure due to funding cuts.  The fear and uncertainty were palpable as the girls faced the possibility of losing their home and being placed back on the streets. For many, this orphanage is the only safe space they have ever known.

During the workshop, we focused on teaching stress-coping strategies and emotional resilience. While the girls were initially hesitant and guarded, they gradually opened up through interactive activities and group discussions. By the end of the session, many showed glimpses of hope, courage, and a newfound understanding of how to manage their emotions.

They requested food donations instead of school supplies—a need we were more than willing to meet. This visit underscored the critical importance of supporting vulnerable children who bear the weight of their past while facing the uncertainty of their future. These girls deserve more than just survival; they deserve the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.

Movie and Pizza Night at Kanglugan Orphanage: Building Trust, One Step at a Time

On the evening of November 8, 2024, thanks to your generosity, we visited Kanglugan Orphanage in San Pedro, Laguna, home to 18 resilient girls aged 7-18, all survivors of sexual assault.

This visit was an important first step in establishing trust and creating a foundation for our upcoming workshop in January. Understanding the sensitivity of this case, we prioritized an introductory visit to meet the house mothers and social workers. This initial step allowed us to gain valuable insights on how best to support and address the children’s unique needs while ensuring they felt safe and respected.

The evening unfolded with a screening of Inside Out 2, a film that creatively explores managing anxiety and emotions. Watching the girls engage with the story and later share their reflections in a group discussion was inspiring. Their insights demonstrated a depth of understanding and a desire to grow emotionally despite their past hardships.

The night ended on a heartwarming note with pizza and a lively dance performance by the girls—a celebration of their courage and strength. This moment highlighted the resilience these young survivors possess, even in the face of unimaginable challenges.

 With your support, we’re not just offering programs; we’re offering hope, healing, and the chance for these girls to rebuild their futures. 

Building Trust, Building Resilience: Our Second Visit to Kanglugan Orphanage

On January 12, 2025, we returned to Kanglugan Orphanage in San Pedro, Laguna—home to 18 resilient girls aged 7 to 18, all survivors of SA—to conduct our Kid Resilience Workshop. This was our second visit, and we knew from the start that trust had to be built first. That’s why our first event with them was the November Movie Night, where we introduced ourselves in a relaxed and safe space.

This time, the girls were excited to see us again! The in-house social worker shared that many people promise to return but never do, so it meant a lot that we showed up. Keeping our word was just as important as the workshop itself.

The session went smoothly, with our volunteer licensed social worker leading the activities. We were extra mindful of potential triggers, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. The girls were open and engaged, showing us how much trust truly makes a difference. They learned emotional regulation tools they can use in their daily lives, and it was clear that the connections we built helped them feel safe enough to participate fully.

This is just the beginning—we’ll continue working with Kanglugan to create more programs that support these incredible girls on their journey to healing.

 A Challenging but Meaningful Workshop with Hope Worldwide Philippines

Our recent Kid Resilience Workshop on January 12, 2025 with Hope Worldwide Philippines was one of the most emotionally intense sessions we’ve had. The children carried deep feelings of abandonment and trauma, and it was clear that creating a safe space for them would take time and patience.

Hope Worldwide’s staff was very strict about safety, requiring their presence throughout the workshop. They have in-house psychiatrists and social workers, which was crucial given the children’s complex needs. This was, by far, the most emotionally challenging orphanage we’ve worked with. It took time to earn their trust, so we adjusted our program. Instead of diving straight into the workshop, we spent more time engaging in fun activities—dancing, movement exercises, and lighthearted interactions—to help them feel at ease. Slowly, they began to open up. Some children required one-on-one attention from our volunteer licensed social worker, with support from their in-house team.

By the end, the children grasped the tools we shared for managing their emotions, and we saw small but significant breakthroughs. We will be following up with a second workshop and exploring future programs to continue supporting their healing journey.