MANILA, Philippines – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has been steadfast in its commitment that no children should be left behind as the world faces COVID-19.
While doing various efforts in partnership with the Philippine government such as its virtual training of health workers on COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), as well as donation drive for tents, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), and disinfection supplies, UNICEF also recognizes that children are greatly affected during Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). UNICEF emphasizes that children are not only receivers of aid but are instrumental in their own communities’ responses to COVID-19.
Adults can learn from children’s sense of community and giving back. “We commend the parents as well as communities that are encouraging children to help in any way they can. Scientific research has actually shown that generosity releases endorphins in the brain, which results in reduced stress and better physical health,” Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov, UNICEF Representative to the Philippines, said. “These are trying times, and we must help each other to the best of our abilities in order for us to heal as one nation.”
Amidst this global pandemic, there have been some exceptional examples of Filipino children showcasing their innate kindness to those who need it the most.
Words of hope
A physician from the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine recently revealed that children sent over handmade get-well cards to share some words of hope to patients diagnosed with COVID-19. These cards arrived in different colors, and contained encouraging messages such as, “Hope to see you home soon!!” and “Hugs for you!!”
(IMG source: Spending their time making get well soon card for COVID-19 patients!)
These special works of art were given to the COVID-19 patients along with their breakfast trays, helping them start their day on a cheerful note. Greeting cards may be shared to the “Share your love, Share A Card” Facebook page or emailed to covidletters@gmail.com so the team can print them for distribution to the patients.
(IMG source: Ms. Francesca Herring)
In Southbay Gardens in Parañaque City, Francesca Herring and her sister-in-law Steph Gacrama organized their own initiative to help hospital frontliners. As the adults cooked meals in the kitchen, six-year-old Ava, four-year-old Ollie, three-year-old Santi, two-year-old Matty, and even six-month-old Lenny showcased their artistic prowess by painting special greeting cards that were placed on top of each meal pack prepared. This little gesture highlighted the value of family bonding and solidarity while having the ability to give back to those bravely combatting the pandemic.
(IMG source: Ms. Francesca Herring) 
Short but sweet messages on top of the meal packs
(IMG source: Ms. Francesca Herring)
“We wanted to share our blessing and extend some help to our frontliners by providing them packed meals, as we were hearing a number of hospitals needing to feed their staff. The kids are very aware of what’s happening around the globe, and to further emphasize what we have been teaching them about the virus and the idea of ‘when in doubt or fear, choose to be kind,’ we decided to involve them in the process,” Ms. Herring, shared.
Family volunteering
(IMG source: Mrs. Mailet Bonoan-Ancheta)
As part of the Southbay Outreach, the Ancheta family has taken it upon themselves to bundle food packs consisting of rice, canned goods, noodles, and more for the urban poor. They packed a total of 40 bags for the developing community beside Southbay Gardens in Parañaque City.
“It was a good and happy experience to be of help to others during this pandemic crisis,” 11-year-old Ru Ancheta said. This kind of effort opens the hearts and minds of children to help those in need.
Giving from the heart
Children also demonstrated how no small act of kindness is ever wasted. A group of siblings broke their own piggy banks in order to donate to the frontliners.
Youths helping hold the line
In Cotabato City, Abdul Rauf Lumabao, 20, walks ahead of his friends his age on the way to their neighborhood entrance route barricaded for people getting in and out of their barangay. Their mission: to meticulously check one quarantine pass after the other per household to ensure order in their barangay.
“This is my way of helping the government that I fully support. But I’m extremely careful. My neighbors’ well-being is crucial for the overall health of the barangay,” Abdul Rauf said.
Entering second year college in a state university next school year, the outspoken Abdul Rauf connects with discourses related to COVID-19 issues in the neighborhood and uses the social media platform to rail against fake news via UNICEF-developed U-Report, a text-message based innovation that amplifies the voices and views of young people in 15 developing countries, including the Philippines.
(IMG source: UNICEF Philippines)
“Young people have to take this situation seriously. In this uncertain time, someone has to stand up with conviction and say ‘No More’ to spreading inaccurate information about COVID-19. Instead use the power of social media to challenge stigma, share positivity and make sure that message about healthy tips that can protect people’s health which is so important to containing the virus, are getting through. We need to inspire and drive action among Bangsamoro youth while in home quarantine,” Abdul Rauf said.
Love all over the world
Filipino representation in the Dubai Police video tribute
(IMG source: Dubai Police)
Wherever they are in the world, Filipino children shine their light towards frontliners. A Filipino child was among the Dubai-based children who shared words of encouragement to health workers, and frontliners in a special video shared by Dubai authorities.
While all these efforts are amazing in their own right, UNICEF recognizes that everyone needs to work together in order to beat the COVID-19 global pandemic and heal the planet as humankind collectively ushers into the ‘new normal.’
“Within every child is the potential spark to make a great impact in the fight against COVID-19, we at UNICEF believe that parents should also encourage their children to show their creativity through their gifts such as painting, singing, and the like. Small acts of kindness in these troubled times are never wasted,” Dendevnorov shared.
As UNICEF supports the Philippine government in fighting COVID-19, it is important to ensure that the rights of children and their families are protected. And beyond that, there are countless ways to nurture a child’s desire to help others and give back to their community, no matter how small or big their contribution is.
You can help UNICEF save and protect more lives. Donate now at donate.unicef.ph
