At 32 years old, Sofia is undeniably a wanderlust. Traveling to many countries, stepping on new territories obviously thrills the young entrepreneur, which she does on her birthday. This year though, she surprised everyone — friends and strangers alike — with her unique birthday plan.

"This year, the best gift would be for those who need it more. I will be raising funds for one of the ministries that the Center for Community Transformation supports. This is for children who most likely never had the chance to celebrate their birthdays the way most of our circle did," Sofia declared in a public Facebook post.

The CCT is a 31-year-old NGO that has been in the business of transforming the lives of the poorest of poor Filipinos, including street children and tribal children. Through the help of "Child Champions," as they call volunteers and donors like Sofia, CCT has been serving the children and youth by providing them a home-like environment, education, healthcare, and even afterschool programs and services.

The organization works in the toughest places in the country for children — from the violent streets of Metro Manila to the remote hinterlands of Mindanao. From abandonment to acceptance, from neglect to recognition, and from being abused to being nurtured — children under their care thrive and grow into well-rounded individuals, as they are restored to their true identities.

"Since working for CCT, I've all the more realized my purpose. God has provided me with more than enough to live and like any overflowing vessel, He calls me to share the outpouring love and provision," Sofia said in her post, calling on warm-hearted people to also join the cause.

Like Sofia, you, too, can join this inspiring journey of transforming the lives of Filipino children and youth.

As a Child Champion, you can:
Support the street children and youth. This child sponsorship program helps provide for the needs of disadvantaged children rescued from the streets. A Child Champion helps provide the following:
Home-like environment, education, health and wellness, livelihood and savings, afterschool programs, spiritual nurturing and discipleship, and social services.

Support the education of tribal children. This child scholarship program provides education for our tribal children in Palawan and Sarangani.

CCT encourages every Child Champion to get to know his/her sponsored child. A trip to their homecare facility can be arranged so you can spend more time with your sponsored child. For more information, visit www.cct.org.ph.

To be a Child Champion, text/call Arlene at 09209730179 or send her an email via cctgroupministries@cct.org.ph.