MUNTINLUPA CITY – Haven for Children (HFC), a residential care facility managed by DSWD-NCR, conducted a week-long event enjoyed by the children of HFC in light of the Lenten season for the year 2020.
Holy Week is one of the most anticipated events in Haven for Children. Different activities were conducted from April 8 to 11, 2020, such as Film Viewing, Easter Egg Hunting, and traditional Filipino Liturgical celebrations such as praying for the Stations of the Cross, reciting the Holy Rosary,and singing of Pabasa.
On April 8, all cottages of HFC prepared “Kubol” or Stations pertaining to Jesus’ journey through his death. The next day, all residents and staff of HFC prayed the Holy Rosary followed by the singing of Pabasa that lasted from 3:00 in the afternoon of April 9, Thursday, through 7:30 in the morning of April 10, Friday. Such devotion of HFC was offered for the fast healling of the world from the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
The children also reflected on the movie, “The Passion of the Christ”, wherein the journey of Jesus Christ who sacrificed himself for the salvation of mankind was shown. After watching the film, the Psychological and Social Service staff of HFC facilitated a self-rumination activity to help the children decipher the factors that caused some of the children’s naughtiness in the past, so that in the future, they can easily and properly address their negative emotions.
Easing the heaviness of the film, an exciting Easter Egg Hunting was held to showcase the creativity of the children in decorating the eggs, as well as their sportsmanship in the friendly hunting competition. Parlor games and zumba sessions were also held to complete the fun-filled celebration.
Easter Sunday at HFC ended with a note to remind all the children to do good as what God does, and to continue serving the Lord with all their heart.
Haven for Children is a residential care facility that caters to former street children with the aim of leading them towards healing and empowerment. ###
From the reports of: Mr. Geoffrey Tenerife