Policy, Planning and Research Division - Department of Education XI

Child Protection

Pwede Ba, Tagda, Paminawa Ug Atimana Ko? A Reformation and Livelihood Program for In-School and Out-Of-School Youth Gang Members

ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to assist in-school and out of-school youth gang members divert their attention through “Pwede Ba, Tagda, Paminawa ug Atimana Ko? A Reformation and Livelihood Program” facilitated by the school and the barangay. There were 10 participants in the first set of interviews and FGD while 16 on the second set to answer the following research questions: What does it mean to be in a gang? What are their experiences as members of a gang? What is the effect of the intervention to the youth gang members? What insights youth gang members can share with their colleagues and other youth in the community? Data were gathered qualitatively and were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings of the study revealed that being in a gang provided the youth a sense of belonging, acceptance, fellowship, self-worth and status, physical safety and protection which were results of peer pressure, poor parental supervision, and failure to realize their membership in a gang. Further, youth experienced participation in violence and incivilities, alcohol, smoking and drug use, anxiousness/fear towards other people, prioritizing gang activities and losing interest in studies and delinquent lifestyle. Youth wanted other youth to know priorities, learn when to say no, choose friends, listen, and respect parents and authorities’ advice and value life and decision. In the light of the findings, join and synergistic efforts from school and the community are needed.
Author/s: Mary Jean M. Francisquete (2020)

Challenges During COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring the Experiences of Children Under the Custody of Grandparents

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the experiences of children under the custody of their grandparents during COVID-19 pandemic. This study is viewed from the theory of Bolwby (1973), the Attachment Theory which states that a child develops into a healthy, functioning adult in the context of a continuous relationship with and emotional attachment to parent figure provides the child with a feeling of safety; separation from a nurturing parent on the other hand, produces stress for the child. There were ten (10) selected students who participated in the individual in-depth interview. As to the participants’ experiences of children under the custody of grandparents during the COVID-19-pandemic, four (4) major themes surfaced: struggling in getting, returning, and answering the SLM (Self Learning Modules), learning new things to become responsible and productive, creating strong bond with grandparents, and financially struggling. On the challenges encountered by the children under the custody of their grandparents during COVID-19 pandemic, seven (7) major themes were revealed, namely: praying and seeking the help of GOD, asking someone’s help in answering SLM (Self Learning Modules), diverting one’s attention to other things and to gadgets, listening to Grandparents’ teachings, striving hard in doing things for Grandparents, and enjoying the company of Grandparents, friends and relatives, and having a positive outlook in life. Lastly, the insights of Children Under the Care of Grandparents on the Challenges During COVID-19 Pandemic four (4) major themes: grandparents are worth to value and to love, there is a lot to learn in life, to focus and to strive hard in studies, and complete family is worth everything. The results are deemed significant to teachers, administrators and other stakeholders to create and support programs on children under the custody of grandparents especially in this pandemic.
Author/s: Karen Mae A. Cabasal, & Joralie L. Entorum

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