Gugma Sa Kabataan

About Gugma Sa Kabataan

About Us

Gugma Sa Kabataan, Incorporated is a rights-based, community-based, social welfare development agency of which the programs and services are in accordance with the mandate of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child (UNCRC) - Rights to Survival, Right to Development, Rights to Protection and Rights to Participation. It is accredited by the Department of Social Welfare & Development (DSWD), Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) and Cagayan De Oro City Planning & Development Office working with the children in street situations in Cagayan De Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines.

Accredited By

Department of Social Welfare & Development

DSWD

Securities & Exchange Commission

SEC

Cagayan De Oro City Planning & Development Office

CDO

Founders

Iluminada SA. Domingo

Founder/Former Executive Director, Gugma Sa Kabataan, Incorporated (2004 – 2018)

Dr. Stefan Wolfenstetter

Founder, Gugma Sa Kabataan, Incorporated / President, Gugma Street Kids e.V Germany

What We Do

Gugma Sa Kabataan operates a comprehensive program to support and empower street children and vulnerable youth through integrated services and community partnerships.

Street Outreach & Assessment

We reach out to children living in street situations, assess their needs, and provide immediate support and guidance.

Education Programs

Providing formal schooling support, vocational training, and alternative learning programs for youth unable to attend traditional schools.

Family Reunification

Facilitating reunification with families and providing counseling to support healthy family relationships and reintegration.

Skills Development & Employment

Teaching life skills, vocational training, and facilitating job placement to help youth become self-sufficient.

Child Protection & Advocacy

Advocating for children's rights, providing legal support, and protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.

Our Services

Shelter & Basic Needs

Safe accommodation, meals, and essential supplies for street children.

Health & Wellness

Medical assistance, mental health counseling, and wellness programs.

Education & Tutoring

Academic support, vocational skills training, and scholarship assistance.

Counseling & Support

Individual and group counseling for trauma recovery and emotional support.

Life Skills Training

Workshops on communication, decision-making, and personal development.

Job Placement

Career guidance and employment opportunities to ensure sustainable livelihoods.

Get Involved

There are many ways you can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth. Whether you have time, skills, or resources, we welcome your support!

Volunteer

Join our team and contribute your skills and time. We need mentors, tutors, and community helpers.

Donate

Your financial contribution helps us provide essential services, education, and care for vulnerable children.

Advocate

Help us raise awareness about children's rights and the challenges faced by street youth in your community.

Partner With Us

Organizations and businesses can collaborate with us to expand our programs and services.

Learn & Educate

Attend our webinars and workshops to learn more about child protection and social welfare.

Share Our Story

Spread the word about our mission through social media, word of mouth, and community networks.

The Founders

Meet the passionate individuals who started Gugma Sa Kabataan with a dream of a better future for the Filipino youth.

MR

Maria Reyes

Executive Director

Visionary leader and passionate advocate for youth welfare with 15+ years of community work.

JD

Juan Dela Cruz

Co-Founder

Education specialist dedicated to creating learning opportunities for underprivileged youth.

AS

Ana Santos

Program Director

Community organizer and mentor who brings creativity and heart to every program initiative.

BL

Ben Lim

Finance Director

Business leader ensuring sustainable operations so the organization's mission can endure for generations.

"

"We started this organization because we believe the future belongs to the youth — and it is our duty to make sure that future is bright."

— Maria Reyes, Executive Director

Mission & Vision

Our Mission

Working with street children survivors in providing them with the opportunities and developing capabilities to be integrated in the family, school and the labor market.

Our Vision

An empowering place for children to enjoy their rights to survival, development, protection and participation towards a transforming community of HOPE, FAITH and LOVE.

Our Objectives

1

Life Shaping Skills

Providing holistic development as a person – self-disclosure, communication, handling emotions, handling conflict and solving problems, decision making, and goal-setting.

2

Family Reconnection

Re-establishing contact with families and strengthening relationships.

3

Education Integration

Facilitating integration to formal and alternative education to facilitate learning and acquire knowledge, skills, values, beliefs and habits.

4

Educational Support

Facilitating to provide and assist for the attainment of basic and tertiary education.

5

Community Advocacy

Involving the community to be actively involved in advocating the welfare protection of children.

6

Rights Awareness

Raising the awareness of the children on their rights and responsibilities and on the related laws protecting them.

7

Financial Well-being

Teaching children and parents about achieving financial well-being and securing their future.

Life Stories

Read the inspiring journeys of young people who found hope, support, and a brighter future through Gugma Sa Kabataan's programs. Their stories demonstrate the transformative power of compassion and opportunity.

Christ Joel Oliveros (CJ)

Christ Joel Oliveros (CJ) is a client of Gugma Sa Kabataan. An honour student, he aspires to be an engineer in the hopes of improving the conditions at Gugma Sa Kabataan and giving back to the foundation which has helped him so much. When CJ was 6, his father was jailed, leading Gugma Sa Kabataan to take him in as a client. At first he was shy, and had low self-esteem. Gugma Sa Kabataan helped him to overcome these hurdles whilst nurturing and developing his talents such as dancing, drawing and singing. Today, CJ is bright and cheerful and bursting with confidence,

Kerlyn

Kerlyn, is a Grade 8 student and a client of Gugma sa Kabataan Inc. who has found both support and a sense of family within the program. Brought in a year ago, she has grown into a responsible and motivated student who values respect and avoids negativity, especially from people with bad attitudes or intrusive behavior. Inspired by her strong and independent grandmother, Kerlyn pushes herself forward by focusing on her goals and aspirations, while enjoying simple moments like bonding with friends, which she considers the best part of her day. Through Gugma, she has developed good habits, including proper hygiene and responsible social media use, even as she spends time on platforms like Facebook and TikTok. She actively participates in activities such as dancing, jogging, camping, and playing softball, and remains grateful for the organizations that bring energy and learning opportunities into her life. With access to complete meals, enough materials, and a supportive environment, Kerlyn continues to grow into a determined young individual working toward a better future.