With the excitement of presents as Christmas approaches, an inspiring video by child rights group Save the Children provides us an insight into the hopes of many poor children this season of giving – and it is not one would expect.
What would you ask for Christmas?
Developed in partnership with Bates CHI & Partners, the video entitled “An Ordinary Christmas Carol” lists children’s wishes which many people would normally overlook, such as eating pork adobo (stew), taking a shower at least once a day, having an own toilet to use, and an opportunity to study, play and watch TV.
Save the Children Country Director, Ned Olney, said: “In our 35 years of experience working in poor communities in the Philippines, we learned that children in need just want the most ordinary things. Particularly in an aftermath of a disaster where families have lost their homes and livelihoods, children often worry if their parents could still afford a meal or to send them to school.”
According to Save the Children’s 2015 hunger and malnutrition report called “Sizing Up”, over 1.5 million children go through an entire day without eating. The study also reveals that 1 in 3 Filipino children is stunted or too short for their age. In 2016, Save the Children calculated that the Philippines economy loses P 326.5 billion due to malnutrition every year.
Olney added: “We often feel overwhelmed and helpless when we hear about the struggles of children living in poverty. This video encourages us to see that we can contribute something and make a difference in the lives of children.”
To take part in Save the Children’s campaign, visit www.ordinarythings.ph
An Ordinary Christmas Carol Lyrics
We wish for pork adobo,
Isang beses na maligo,
Maglaro kahit minsan dahil bata lang ako.
Sana’y may laruan
At libro na akin.
Gustong mageskuela’t manood ng TV.
Gusto ko po ng bahay,
Ulam at kanin,
Mawala ang sakit, magka-CR na amin.
Sa Pasko na ito,
Ito pa rin ang himig.
Wish namin sa buhay,
Sana’y marinig.
(Song ends)
For interviews and additional information, contact our National Media Manager, April Sumaylo, atapril.sumaylo@savethechildren.
About Save the Children
Save the Children Philippines is part of the global Save the Children movement working in over 120 countries. Present in the country for over three decades, Save the Children delivers programs for Filipino children which gives them a better education and easier access to healthcare, supports them during emergencies while also educating communities on disaster preparedness.
An Ordinary Christmas Carol is part of Save the Children’s Lahat Dapat campaign against hunger and child malnutrition.
