Staff at the Nayon ng Kabataan, a government-run home for children in need of special care, are working overtime to create a festive atmosphere this holiday season.

“It’s become a tradition for us to have a Noche Buena on Christmas Eve and Media Noche on New Year’s Eve,” said Supervising Social Worker Norma Marcelino in an interview with the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) award-winning online documentary, Mga Kwento ng Pag-Asa at Pagbabago (#KPAP). “We always look for donors to augment our preparations.”

The center, located in Mandaluyong City, is adorned with colorful decorations and bright lanterns to offer a glimmer of joy to its young residents, many of whom are orphans or survivors of abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Twelve-year-old Abby (not her real name) finds solace at the home. “Even though we’re far from our real parents, the Nayon ng Kabataan is like a family to us now,” she told #KPAP.

Ten-year-old Annie (not her real name) has a simple Christmas wish: “I hope I can be with my family this Christmas.”

For 12-year-old Mia (not her real name), the holidays are bittersweet. “The best part of Christmas when I was younger was waking up to gifts under the Christmas tree,” she recalled. However, due to physical abuse, she cannot return to her family.

Despite the challenges, Mia dreams of a bright future. “I’m grateful. I just want to be successful and live a good life,” she said.

The Nayon ng Kabataan staff is dedicated to making the children feel loved and valued. Rosita Manabat, a retiring center staff, said, “We explain to them why they’re here. We consider them as our own family.”

To help the children feel the Christmas spirit, the staff organizes various activities such as gift-giving, games, and storytelling.