For the past two years, Project SPEAK (Sustainable Programs for Education, Advocacies, and Knowledge) has been dedicated to breaking the cycle of child labor in Mindanao, working alongside communities to create lasting, community-based solutions. With the support of the European Union and our dedicated partners, Kaanib Foundation, Inc., and Ha Uman Assn Inc., this initiative has reached families across three provinces, transforming lives through awareness, education, and sustained advocacy.
On October 8, we gathered with our partners, local leaders, and community members in Bukidnon to celebrate the grand closing event of Project SPEAK. This event marked the conclusion of an impactful journey but highlighted a legacy that will continue to resonate across Mindanao. Reflecting on two years of progress, we looked back on a project that wasn’t just about addressing child labor, but about equipping communities with the knowledge, skills, and resources to tackle it from the inside out.
Project SPEAK worked on multiple levels to address the root causes of child labor by focusing on awareness and education. Through community meetings, workshops, and school-based programs, we informed children, parents, and local leaders with a deeper understanding of child labor’s long-term impact and the risks it poses to young lives. We collaborated with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to support educational campaigns, strengthening communities’ commitment to creating safe environments for children.
The project also took bold steps to influence policy by working closely with government bodies, resulting in tangible, community-driven approaches to child protection. With local support, we were able to promote policies that reinforce children’s right to education, safety, and a childhood free from labor. These policies represent more than just legislative achievements—they symbolize a collective commitment to the future of Mindanao’s youth.
As Project SPEAK draws to a close, its impact will continue to be felt across these communities. Through every workshop, every policy, and every family touched by this initiative, we have created a legacy of understanding and action that will inspire long after the project’s completion.
