History

1986:

  • Kanlungan sa Er-Ma Ministry, Inc. (KSEM) is established in response to the growing abuse and exploitation of street children in Ermita-Malate, Manila.
  • KSEM is formed by a network of Christian churches and facilitated by World Vision Philippines (WVP).
  • The first Drop-in Center is established on Leon Guerrero St., Malate, Manila.

1987:

  • The first Drop-in Center is closed due to the cessation of World Vision operations.
  • KSEM project is re-initiated by volunteers and the present Administrator with the Board of Trustees’ approval.

1988:

  • A new Drop-in Center is set up on T.M. Kalaw St.
  • Kanlungan focuses on street education programs, reaching out to abused and exploited children on the streets and in parks.

1989:

  • Kanlungan is granted funds from the President Social Fund and transfers its administrative office to 1319 Lorenzo Guerrero St., Ermita, Malate.
  • The Drop-in Center/Temporary Shelter program is initiated.
  • KSEM obtains its first license from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as a child-caring agency.

1990:

  • The Residential Care and Training Center is established in San Pedro, Laguna, providing a home setting for children ready to leave the red-light district.
  • The first batch of children from the Drop-in Center/Temporary Shelter receives formal education in a nearby public school.

1993-1998:

  • Kanlungan receives the Konkoyo Peace Activity Center (KPAC) building donation, expanding its capacity.
  • Construction of the 3-storey building is completed in two phases, providing more space for children.

1995:

  • The Drop-in Center/Temporary Shelter relocates to 1625-A F. Agoncillo St., Malate, Manila.

2002:

  • Another Drop-in Center is established in Tunasan, Muntinlupa City.
  • Kanlungan expands its reach to San Pedro, Laguna.

2006:

  • Kanlungan receives a two-hectare coffee farm donation from Dorcas Trust (Wessex), England, intended as a rehabilitation center for out-of-school youth.

2008-2009:

  • Kanlungan’s original location is sold, prompting a move to a new building at 2029 F.T. Benitez St., Malate, Manila.
  • The new building houses the Administration office and Residential Care Training Center Level I.

2013:

  • Younger boys in formal education are transferred to KSEM Dorcas Farm in Cavite.
  • A multi-purpose training center is built at the farm through the support of the Greening Family from Dorcas Trust (Wessex), England.

Present:

  • Kanlungan has grown from three volunteers to thirty-one full-time paid staff, along with part-time and volunteer support.
  • KSEM now operates in five facilities, providing holistic interventions and case management for child abuse victims, including legal support.
  • Over 34 years, Kanlungan has helped numerous abused children recover from trauma, pursue formal education, gain employable skills, and find employment.

This timeline showcases the significant milestones and developments in Kanlungan sa Er-Ma Ministry, Inc.’s journey to protect and support abused and exploited street children and their families.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  Matthew 19:14

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