Children of the Philippines

Back by popular demand (yes I have one fan)!

At the beginning of a new year, it seems appropriate to focus on the world’s children.  One image of the Philippines that will stay with me forever is the many lovely children that one meets while traveling in different parts of this beautiful country.  As I traveled, I had a chance to interact with children in a number of settings such as a school in Bohol, a grandparents’ house in Vigan, and urban neighborhoods in Manila.  Filipinos have strong family values and most of the children I met were part of a caring family.  Sadly in Manila, I also met with kids living on the streets, still beautiful children but with lots of challenges to overcome.  As in many overcrowded urban environments all over the world, some kids are left to fend for themselves and often end up dealing with drugs, as were these young kids I saw when I drove through a blue painted underpass.  I stopped to talk to them and ask if I could take their pictures.  They did not even stop sniffing glue while I was around as you can see in one of the pictures below.  It was a very sad thing to witness.  We should all think about how to help children in need.  Let’s hope the New Year brings some relief to their challenging lives.   Meet the children of the Philippines.

Best wishes,

France

Children (1 of 23) Children (2 of 23) Children (3 of 23) Children (4 of 23) Children (5 of 23) Children (6 of 23) Children (7 of 23) Children (8 of 23) Children (9 of 23) Children (10 of 23) Children (11 of 23) Children (12 of 23) Children (13 of 23) Children (14 of 23) Children (15 of 23) Children (16 of 23) Children (17 of 23) Children (18 of 23) Children (19 of 23) Children (20 of 23) Children (21 of 23) Children (22 of 23)

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11 Responses

  1. France, That’s a beautiful set of heartfelt images….bravo! Karl

    On Wed, Jan 2, 2013 at 10:39 AM, franceleclerc wrote:

    > ** > franceleclerc posted: “Back by popular demand (yes I have one fan)! At > the beginning of a new year, it seems appropriate to focus on the world’s > children. One image of the Philippines that will stay with me forever is > the many lovely children that one meets while traveli” >

  2. These photos are powerful and tender at the same time. They are haunting…in a good way. France, it’s clear that you are a poet. Thank you for these gifts.

    Bobette

    1. Bobette,

      So nice hearing from you. I wish I were a poet, then I could find better words to thank you for your kindness!

      On Mon, Jan 7, 2013 at 11:56 AM, franceleclerc

  3. Thank you for the wonderful pictures. I have seen these same images in my own travels in the Philippines. It is a land of mixed blessings — while I am somewhat envious of their simple lifestyle (we all could learn a few things from them), I am also saddened by the extreme poverty of some of these children. As an educator, I am very concerned that they have an opportunity to at least make a choice regarding how they will live. To that end, I have started providing school supplies to children who have either dropped out of school or are in danger of dropping out just because they don’t have the basics. I implore each of you to find something that you can do to help children just like those in France’s photos above. Whether through my organization or another, please, take a few moments to help. Salamat!

    1. Scott,
      I so agree with you. I have been trying to help through a few organizations but the need is great and anyone who can, should help. I admire you for making a real difference.

Would love to hear from you!

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