To celebrate the season of giving, premier telecommunications company Eastern Communications runs a series of Heart of Service initiatives aimed at providing underprivileged children with essential learning tools and experiences for a brighter future.
As a longstanding advocate of accessible education to uplift communities, Eastern Communications extends its sense of malasakit by supporting children in need. This is also in support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal for inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities[1].
“At Eastern Communications, we believe that our work does not end with providing tech solutions and connectivity products. We aim to build a better Philippines and this means accessible education for every child. We wish to actively shape a future where every Filipino child can dream, learn, and succeed. The Heart of Service isn’t just a slogan for our customers; it’s our unrelenting commitment to illuminate lives and carve pathways to brighter futures,” said Jed Estanislao, Eastern Communications’ AVP and Marketing Head.
To kick off the season, Eastern Communications partners with ChildHope Philippines Foundation Inc., to support the latter’s “KalyeSkwela” program. Eastern holds a “Christmas Dance Caroling for a Cause,” inviting children in street situations (CISS)[2] to showcase their talents and raise additional funds to support the project. KalyeSkwela provides basic literacy and numeracy classes for CISS through the use of a mobile van with audiovisual equipment.
Fulfilling its role as an ICT Solutions expert, Eastern will also conduct a learning session titled “Surf Smart: Basic Internet Safety for Kids” with KalyeSkwela students at the Eastern Communications’ office in Makati to equip children with essential skills they need to navigate the Internet wisely.
The Disrupting Harm Study 2022 of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, Interpol, and the End Child Prostitution and Trafficking International revealed that 20 percent, or an estimated two million Filipino children aged 12 to 17, are subjected to online sexual abuse and exploitation.[3] In a modern world fueled by technology, this initiative ensures that all children have access to basic technology and have fair and safe opportunities for advancement.
street situations to inspire them to pursue their dreams.
[1] United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4
[2] Transformative Action to Accelerate Results for Children in Street Situations in the Decade of Action [2020–2030] – Technical Guidance