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(Adam Jennie’s Christian Center for Special Children Inc.)
KMC Magazine Aug. '09 issue
By Jershon G. Casas
Kids performing
In the Philippines, there is a special group of people who are visibly identified, but lingers in the shadow of normal society. These are the Filipino children with mental or learning disabilities. Often times, society leer at these misunderstood children, and turn a bind eye to the injustice done to them by not acknowledging their rights to pursue full productive lives. It is unfortunate that in the Philippines it is still taboo to talk about a family member with mental disabilities. The parents with special children are faced with a monumental degree of challenges from the physical and psychological demands of raising them, to the financial affliction on the families in general.
Base on the 1997 NCDCS-DOH, the population of the mental impaired individuals is estimated to be 84,935. The sad reality is that schools or centers catering to these special children are significantly few in numbers, and beyond the financial capability of ordinary Filipino family. As a result, many of these children end up neglected, disowned, and abused. The lack of parental knowledge and the stigma attached to these disorders may result in the developmental stagnation, and forced isolation of these children.
Happy kids
4 years ago, an American name Mr. Lee Jennie took noticed of the sad predicament of many special children in Mandaue City, Cebu, and decided to use his own funds to open a specialty school called Adam Jennie’s Christian Center for Special Children Inc. Despite the building’s modest façade, simple interior and limited floor space, the school is able to provide a safe learning environment for the special children. The organization is dedicated to foster the development and wellbeing of these less privileged children. In addition, their services are absolutely FREE, and open to children with mental and learning disorders regardless of religion and financial status. Through the guidance of the Department of Education (Special Education Division), devoted staff and volunteers, and Mr. Jennie, their students are able to grow with confidence. Collectively, the educators help gear them towards becoming productive individuals in society.
Regrettably, the scarce resources available to the school dictate the limited number of students being accepted every school term. As a result, priorities are given to children coming from low income bracket families. Although the small donations allow Mr. Jennie to make few improvements to the school, ultimately most of the funds needed to maintain their free services come from his own pocket. The volunteer teachers and caregivers contribute to the learning process of each child and lessen the financial burden on the school. In order to continue their free services and to accommodate more special children in Cebu, the school desperately needs financial support from other generous donors.
Mr Lee Jennie with the kids & one of the parents
The financial future of the school may be uncertain, but the positive impact of their programs is undeniably lasting on the children. Some are able to qualify for entry in the main stream educational system, while others are trained for specific job skills required by some organizations, but fundamentally all the students show remarkable achievements in key developmental milestones.
during graduation
Adam Jennie’s Christian Center for Special Children Inc. is a small institution that has a gargantuan impact on the lives of the students, their families, and the people who are willing to open their eyes and hearts to the lives of these special children. The smiles on their innocent faces and their eagerness to learn proves it's a job well-done. For more information you may visit http://christian-foundation.com.
Mr Jennie with his son(far right) and his amazing staff
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