Every year, the celebration of Christmas brings hope to many people. Likewise, Shechem Children’s Home has been sharing and giving hope. 

Shechem, which is located in Manila, Philippines, provides Christ-centered, family-oriented care, protection, comprehensive assessment, and assists with finding long-term placements for children rescued from online sexual abuse and exploitation. This intensive care in the first months after the rescue helps lead to the children's healing, resiliency, well-being, and hope for their future.

In 2018, Shechem became the first residential center in the Philippines to offer a new level of care for children rescued from this crime—which involves a parent or close relative in more than 70 percent of cases. The staff at Shechem have been able to share the strategy behind the program and its implementation with other shelters and like-minded organizations. There are now several of these assessment centers in the Philippines.

“Being a new member of the Shechem family, it’s my first time to celebrate Christmas here at Shechem,” says LK*, a 17-year-old girl, just weeks after arriving. “It’s hard to be far away from my family, but I’m thankful that we have the staff and house parents, whom we can ask for guidance and serve as the lights into our lives while we are away from our family." 

"Here at Shechem, I have felt I am loved, something I have never experienced outside (before)", LK continues. "I am grateful to Shechem because here, I never felt ashamed or being judged. I am thankful that I am here, where even at the start of December, we can feel the Christmas season.”

As hope begins to filter into the children, they begin to dream and share about their futures.

“My dream is to become a social worker like Kuya Jayson, to help my neighbors who are needy like me,” says an 11-year-old resident of Shechem.

Several dream of helping others.

“I dream to finish my studies and become a social worker to help the children like me, and I wish to come back and work at Shechem home,” says a 15-year-old resident of Shechem. “I hope to be with my family again. I hope to build a house for my family so that my siblings have a home.”

Hope is an important piece of the puzzle for the children who are receiving care at Shechem.

To learn more about the Shechem Children's Home, click here.

*Names changed or omitted for protection