It's time to celebrate because our latest Raw Hope project is up and running!
So, what's on the impact agenda?
Education, health, peace clubs & income generation activities!
Child-friendly spaces provide a safe place for play, professional psychosocial support and activities, and ... tea parties, of course!
LANIE CARILLO
Cotabato and Marawi City is the capital of Lanao del Sur province in Mindanao, south of the Philippines.
The city used to be a thriving town of merchants, farmers and fishermen. The residents, known as the Maranao, mostly lived around Lake Lanao, which is the second largest lake in the Philippines. Thus the Maranao are also known as “the people of the lake.”
In 2017, everything changed.
In an instant, hundreds of thousands had to flee for their lives.
Terrified and unprepared, many families became separated. Caught in a crossfire of gunfire and confusion, they walked to neighbouring towns.
Families arrived with nothing and were in need of everything.
In just five months the "Marawi Siege" forced over 360,000 people from their homes as militant groups clashed with government forces. Aslimah and her family were among the displaced. The mother of seven recalls fearing they wouldn't get out.
They wove around dead bodies and had to get past a tense military checkpoint.
We were crying because we thought it would be the end of us—even the children might be killed," recalled Aslimah.
Today, tens of thousands of Maranoa have yet to return home. The city was badly damaged. Life remains difficult for families like Aslimah's, who live in temporary shelters. There are times when she and her husband do without food so their children can eat.
The sudden conflict took everyone by surprise. Whilst the community were aware of ongoing tensions the life changing violence was unexpected.
Thousands of families from the area known as Ground Zero, still have not been able to go back to their destroyed homes and these are the families the latest Raw Hope project will serve.
Things are just getting started but watch this space, as we show you how your gifts are being used in real, practical ways making sure the children of Cotabato City and Marawi City can recover and build a future.
What can I do?
Here's two ways for you to go a little deeper - act or share!
- 1
Donate
Every gift makes a difference. Our Raw Hope fund helps children living in the world’s most dangerous places.
Donate Now - 2
Share on Social Media
Raising awareness is vital. Help make people aware of the situation and the difference we can make, together.
