I started this journey in Philippines as a relief aid volunteer last year and since then I have met many families that are still living in poverty with no assistance from any organisation. In my travels as a photojournalist, I get myself into the deepest areas, local slums and tribe villages, at times I wonder how I end up in this locations.
I get direct access to this families that share their stories with me. Those who have been left out. Those who are unheard.
I figured why not help this families since I met them, since they allowed my into their homes. Why should I only hear their stories, photograph them and leave. Why not do a little more. Give something back before I say goodbye.
Here’s an idea … ‘Give Light‘.. as simple as it sounds, with every portrait of this individuals, families, children and those I find, I will tell you a little about them. Portraits with their voices, telling you what they need.
We would then raise funds together to help with their needs. One family at a time, one child at a time. Help with anything we can, from the most simplest things to the most sustainable projects. Give a little, share a little… love a little.
This is where you do something. Donate for these individual, these families.. I would tell you what they wish for or need, you can support as much as you wish, and I will buy the items, plan the projects and get it done! SHARE this out if you are with me on this new journey…
Here are the first once we can help:
Three Teenage Mothers in Panay, Philippines
I found this three single mothers during my stay in Roxas, Panay a few months ago. They live in a slum a few meters away from where I live today. Below are their stories:
“What do you want for yourself today?”
“I want to finish school and study human resource, but now I have to take care of this baby first. My boyfriend is not around anymore. I had no idea of safe sex or protection, we don’t know about condoms and when my boyfriend found out I was pregnant, he left. I was 15.
I knew him for a year, he is a sea man here, they stay for a few months at the fishing port, meet some girls and spend time together. When my period was delayed, I knew I was pregnant, but by then he was gone. He ran away, stupid boys.
I’m at 8 months pregnant now, I have to take care of this baby first, but my only regret is not finishing school. My mother takes care of me now and soon the baby. She is just a laundry women, she earns 250 pesos ($6) a day. I will teach my baby girl not to be like me.”
“What do you do for a living?”
“Nothing. I take care of my children now, their dad left us some time ago. My own father is paralyzed so he can’t work so my mom supports us. She makes fishing nets. We are all women taking care of ourselves here.”
“How much can she earn with that?”
“About 150 pesos (US$3.50) daily. I also have 5 sisters but they are with their own families, they don’t help us. We have to survive with what we have, I just want to make sure my kids are not hungry and are healthy.”
“What are you plans for them?”
“To send them to school and make sure they finish their studies. Have a better life.”
“And you?”
“I want to look for a job someday, I can’t go job hunting now as I have to take care of my babies first. It’s about them first, not me”
“When do you think is the right age for marriage or sex?”
“I think when you are 25 or 26, and I do want a husband in the future to help take care of my baby. I was 16 when I had her, the guy left when he found out I am pregnant. He worked as a sea man here. So I had to stop schooling and have a baby.
I don’t want the same to happen with my daughter in the future, I have many classmates who are like me, we don’t know about safe sex or how it happens. I trusted my boyfriend as he took care of me. I regret it now as I know better, but I’m happy I have her.”
Items needed for teenage mothers:
Baby items needed: Napkins, Milk Powder, Bottles, Napkin Pins, Teats and Formula. There are many single mothers in this village here.
To help more single mom and children around Asia, join our ‘Give Light‘ community and support the cause.
