Overcoming poverty by respecting human rights, 2

NICK’S parents were given loans for food by a rich drug dealer with the nickname Nomad. They had to sell his drugs on the street to pay him back and buy food. They were in debt bondage. They took the maximum risk for the smallest gain. They sold methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu,” a dangerous drug. They were caught and jailed awaiting trial.

Nick had to pay the debt owed to Nomad so he had to sell drugs also. He had no education to get a job. He was caught by a police undercover buyer. He was spared extrajudicial execution unlike 30,000 others allegedly killed by police as part of a massive crime against humanity being investigated by the International Criminal Court.

Nick was charged with drug selling, but being 16 years old, a minor, he was sent by the judge to Preda Foundation home in Liloan, Cebu, supported by Aktionsgruppe Kinder-in-Not based In Germany.  

There, he could discover his value as a person and feel his dignity and grow in self-confidence. He felt accepted, understood and welcomed to a life without fear or punishment. He received his personal needs and friendship and learned the value of his life and respect for others.

Nick is learning the value of education as the road to survival and prosperity and a life of dignity. Now with value formation, alternative education and Emotional Release Therapy, he is changing. He has a better, happier chance in life and a way out of poverty and to stay out of jail and make a new life.

Damien is another of the 7.9 million youth that never got to school and wandered the streets in poverty and lived with his street friends. They survived by doing odd jobs, and whenever hungry, by stealing food in the market.

The vendors complained to the police in Plaridel, Bulacan. Damien and some of his friends were arrested. They were kicked and beaten and taken out and two shot dead including Damien’s best friend. It seems extrajudicial execution is common practice there.

Damien was tortured. He was tied to a chair and his fingers were beaten by the police using a hammer one by one. He screamed in pain. He was electrocuted twice to confess to crimes he did not commit. He was beaten, kicked and finally thrown in a jail cell.

There, he was rescued by Preda social workers and brought to the Preda home and healed and cared for and had Emotional Release therapy during which he screamed out his anger at the corrupt police. He, too, will have a chance at a new life. He will learn and overcome poverty and support his future children. There is always hope no matter the crimes against the people by those sworn to protect them.

One day, the majority will rise up educated and wise and they will elect a majority of good and just people to lead them and do away with the torturers and killers, corrupt and unjust, and together build a new just Philippines where human rights are finally upheld, honored and respected by all. A dream worth working for. Help others, contact www.preda.org./PN

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