OUR MISSION

Situation in Metro-Manila :

Megacity of all contrasts

This vast agglomeration has strong social contrasts, with its upscale areas and many slums, where 6 million people live. According to different sources, it is estimated that between 250,000 and 1 million children, whether orphans or not, live on the streets. Vulnerable children of all ages, they are left behind, to forced labor, physical or sexual violence…

Since 1998, ANAK-Tnk has been providing these children from the streets and slums of Manila access to education, health, nutrition and protection.

Our Goal: to provide for the basic needs of all children, without exception.
Our Mission: to give back the dignity and the smile to the most vulnerable children of Manila.

"When I approach them, I always have a smile. It's a simple way to give them respect."

Jayson

Street Educator

WHAT WE DO

For the past 25 years, ANAK-Tnk has been working with the poorest and most vulnerable people in Metro Manila, Philippines: children, abandoned people in the streets and families in the slums. It is sponsored by a network of dedicated volunteers around the world (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Belgium, United States, Singapore, Australia) who organize fundraising and awareness initiatives.

The priority of ANAK-Tnk is the care of each and every child to help them rebuild their lives despite their deep wounds. The foundation’s actions are based on a family and lasting commitment.

In the streets

The street children of Manila have lost contact with their families and are victims of violence and drugs. They survive by begging, stealing or prostituting themselves.

ANAK-Tnk cares for these children in family-like homes that promote their social rehabilitation. The children then find their way back to a more stable life, go back to school and visit their families whenever possible. As well as providing basic needs, the children take time to rebuild their lives and prepare for their future in a protective and loving environment.

In the slums

In a succession of muddy paths, all kinds of waste, shantytowns, ” survival of the fittest ” activities, dangerous electrical installations and children playing barefoot are mixed together.

Thanks to the 12 day centers installed in the heart of the slums, children suffering from malnutrition can benefit from balanced meals every day. Faced with rampant illiteracy, ANAK-Tnk also offers kindergarten classes. Finally, in the face of diseases spreading due to the extreme living conditions, an appropriate medical follow-up is provided.

OUR PRIORITIES

Aware of the dire situation of children and their families, ANAK-Tnk focuses its actions on four essential priorities: feeding them, providing them with an education, giving them access to healthcare and giving them a protective environment.

Nutrition

In the Philippines, more than one in ten children do not have enough to eat and one in three is stunted.

We provide balanced meals to children and training in nutrition to local poor communities.

Education

In the Philippines, one child out of ten is not attending school.

We support each child throughout his or her schooling, which we adapt according to his or her needs.

Health

40% of the urban population lives in extreme unhealthy living conditions.

We provide each child with appropriate medical care and train local poor communities in basic hygiene and health.

Protection

Drugs, violence, rape, prostitution: children are the first victims.

We provide psychological and legal support based on our prevention and child protection Charter.

"ANAK-Tnk"
What does it mean?

  • “ANAK” means “child” in Tagalog (Philippine language)
  • “TNK” are the initials of the foundation as it is known in Manila: “Tulay Ng Kabataan”.


This literally means: A bridge for the children!

It is the symbol of our work with street and slum children for more than 25 years: to bridge the gap between children and their families (reconciliation) whenever possible, towards a better life.

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