 In 1993, Fr. Rocky Evangelista, SDB began Tuloy in a small room in St. John Bosco Parish Compound, Makati City with 12 children. After committing to head a project for street children during a meeting with the leaders of his religious order, he opened a small Center and ran it with a group of 10 lay volunteers.
As a Salesian of Don Bosco, Fr. Rocky spent most of his priesthood managing schools and parishes. Caring for street children was a completely new task for him. Although it was a difficult endeavor, Fr. Rocky soon found himself totally absorbed in the work. It was after all, the mission of St. John Bosco, the founder of his order. More popularly known as Don Bosco, this Italian priest dedicated his life to the service of street urchins in Turin, Italy during the 19th century.
A Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program
In the beginning, Fr. Rocky thought it necessary to make a project/feasibility study with a group of researchers from the University of the Philippines. They looked at the existing programs and services for street children at the time.
In the end, results showed that to effectively help the children, the program should prepare them for a decent and productive life upon discharge. This entailed offering complete services including food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, psycho-social interventions, recreation, and education and skills training.
The study included a cost-benefit analysis that showed it was highly beneficial to invest on the rehabilitation of these kids. By preventing them from becoming the future criminals in society, the damage in lives and properties they could cause are also prevented. They become productive members instead contributing to the welfare of all.
A comprehensive program demands complete and well-maintained facilities. As early as then Fr. Rocky envisioned building a Streetchildren Village with facilities for housing, education and training, and recreation. He also wanted a big area so that more children could be served. There were hundreds of thousands of street kids in the country and their numbers continue to rise as times become more difficult.
Tuloy Center I in Makati
 After two years, Tuloy received funding to construct a 3.5-storey building within the compound in Makati. Most of it came from Tuloy´s new partner and benefactor, Consuelo Foundation. The building has complete facilities -- including dorms, study area, dining room, and kitchen -- for its residential program. It was not a Village but it was indeed a big improvement from the one-room affair, allowing Tuloy to accommodate up to 130 at a time. Although the building was designed to serve both boys and girls, Tuloy decided to care for resident boys only because the limited space did not make it practical to accommodate both genders.
Next >>
 Back to Top
|
