[Online Event] ACC21 & ACRP Tokyo

On the afternoon of Saturday, December 13th, we will host an online forum themed “Listening to the Voices of Filipino Children and Considering What We Can Do,” welcoming staff from a local NGO in the Philippines with years of experience supporting street children, along with children receiving this support!

Currently, it is estimated that approximately 100 million “street children” live worldwide, with at least 370,000 in the Philippines alone. What are the circumstances that lead them to the streets, and what are their thoughts and feelings as they live there?

At this forum, you will have the opportunity to hear directly from staff of the “Kuya Center for Street Children,” which continues its support activities in Manila, Philippines, and from children growing up while receiving this support.

This event is part of the “Philippines ‘Street Children ZERO’ Campaign,” jointly promoted by the Certified NPO Asia Community Center 21 (ACC21) and General Incorporated Association the Asia Conference of Religions for Peace Tokyo (ACRP Tokyo).

This campaign works with Philippine support organizations and others toward the goal of “Zero Street Children in the Philippines by 2030,” focusing on raising awareness and building cooperation networks among citizens in Japan and the Philippines.

Through this forum, we will share the real voices of children and field staff, creating an opportunity to envision the future together with them. While connecting with the children’s “will to live” and “hope,” why not join us in considering what each of us can do?

This event is especially recommended for those interested in international cooperation, education, and children’s rights, as well as students looking to get involved in social contribution.

Event Overview

Street Children ZERO Forum 2025
― Listening to the Voices of Filipino Children and Considering What We Can Do ―

• Date & Time: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Doors open at 12:55 PM)
• Venue: Online (Zoom)
• Speakers: Executive Director of Kuyah Center (local child support organization) and Scholarship Students
• Participation Fee: Free
• Language: Japanese (with Tagalog interpretation)
• Organizers: Certified NPO Asia Community Center 21 (ACC21), General Incorporated Association Asia Conference of Religions for Peace Tokyo (ACRP Tokyo)

Program (Tentative):

• Opening Remarks & Purpose Explanation
• Voices of Children Living on the Streets (Kuyah Center Scholarship Students)
• Lecture by Kuyah Center Executive Director
• Q&A Session
• Participatory Workshop: “What Can We Do to Help Street Children Escape Life on the Streets?”
• Introduction to the Philippines’ “Street Children ZERO” Campaign
• Closing

※During the participatory workshop, you will be divided into groups to discuss issues surrounding street children. Please ensure your camera and microphone are ON to participate. (As typing may be required during the workshop, we recommend using a computer if possible).

＼How to Apply／

Please apply via Peatix. (in Japanese format)
Registration closes at 12:00 PM Japan Standard Time on Friday, December 12, 2025.
For inquiries, please email event@acc21.org (Attn: Tsujimoto).

＼How to Participate／

After registering, you can find the Zoom ID and password required for participation on the “Event Viewing Page” in Peatix.
We will also send an email containing the Zoom ID and password the day before the event.
If you have any concerns about participating, please contact us via email (event@acc21.org, contact: Tsujimoto).

＼Speaker Profile／

◎ Ms. Fatima “Faith” C. Elahe (Executive Director, Kuya Center for Street Children)
Executive Director of the local NGO “Kuya Center for Street Children,” based in Manila, Philippines, which works to protect street children, provide educational support, and facilitate family reunification. She is involved in planning and operating life support and educational programs for children, continuing activities to protect children’s rights on the front lines.

Through the “Philippines ‘Street Children ZERO’ Campaign,” 375,046 yen from donations received in fiscal year 2024 was granted to support scholarship assistance activities implemented by Kuya Center. At this forum, two scholarship recipients supported by the campaign grant will also take the stage to share their experiences and dreams.

＼Organizer Profile／

◎What is ACC21?
Certified NPO Asia Community Center 21 (ACC21) is an international cooperation NGO working to reduce poverty in Asia since 2005, based on a network of over 100 local NGOs across 13 Asian countries. In Manila, Philippines, we collaborate with local NGOs and government officials to achieve the goal of “Zero Street Children by 2030.” We also work with local NGOs to support youth independence.
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