Stairway Foundation Inc.

Founded in 1993, the Stairway Foundation Incorporated (SFI), a non-stock, non-profit and non-government child care institution, envisions to provide holistic and innovative programs to improve the life conditions of disadvantaged street children in the Philippines. Situated within a one hectare facility on the island of Puerto Galera in Mindoro, the foundation uproots street children from the chaos of the city and works with them in the lush surroundings of the trees, mountains and the sea. The foundation's focus is on developing programs in livelihood and education, arts and culture, advocacy, awareness, and the environment to empower street children to become care-givers of other street children.

An important component of the Foundation's mission is the advocacy, awareness and prevention program. SFI's strategy is to utilize its resources to make the beneficiaries not merely donors but motivated and educated resource persons in reaching out to the thousands of street children. Added to this is the aim to increase public awareness on issues relevant to the street children problem.

In the education aspect, the youths are trained in skills to enable them to reintegrate into the family, community and society as productive, self-reliant citizens. The courses offered are street education, cooking and baking, textiles, native crafts and photography. These are divided among modules and tutorial classes on math, reading, science, history, Tagalog and English. Environmental awareness is also integrated.

The arts program was able to create a ninety-minute musical presentation entitled "Goldtooth: A Street Children's Musical." It was a powerful embodiment of the lives and realities of street children. It was not only a product of the cultural aspect but also a creative tool for rehabilitation, advocacy, and outreach.

Contact Information:
Stairway Foundation Incorporated
Main Office
Bgy. Aninuan, Puerto Galera
Oriental Mindoro, Philippines 5203
P.O. Box 30440
Telephone/Facsimile: (63) 912-311-8286
http://members.xoom.com/stairway_ph/index.htm
E-mail: stairway@asiagate.net
Metro Manila Office
C/O AlterLaw
Rm. 404 Heart Building
7461 Bagtikan St., Makati City
Philippines, 1200
Tel: (632) 899-6368/899-6368; Facsimile: (632) 899-6185
http://members.xoom.com/stairway_ph/index.htm
E-mail: alterlaw@phil.gn.apc.org/Aterlaw@vasia.com