Monday, August 11, 2008 Second Chance begins its 7th year with high hopes By Elisabeth P. Baumgart Sun.Star Correspondent
ANNE insists she is innocent, but also has no regrets about coming to Operation Second Chance, a special facility for minors who run into trouble with the law.
On Aug. 13, she will mark her eighth month in the facility, where she was sent after being accused of theft. She says she enjoys every minute of her stay.
Anne (not her real name) keeps busy helping other residents and in-house parents in all the activities.
“Every time there are things to be done, I’d always volunteer to do things. I just want to move around and do something,” said Anne.
Yesterday was no exception. As the center celebrated its sixth anniversary, she was all over the place, ushering guests, talking to her fellow residents and chatting with the social workers.
“I guess I’m just really hyperactive,” said Anne with a laugh.
“All the children look up to her,” said Insp. Merlina Metante, Operation Second Chance warden, when Anne met with Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s wife, Margot.
The first lady and the mayor, who attended the anniversary celebration, witnessed the dance numbers the residents especially prepared for the occasion.
Even if these children may have committed crimes in the past, Margot said that the public should always try to find the good within them and not immediately label them as criminals.
“There’s always something good in each one of them. We all have to see that,” said Margot.
In 1995, the Cebu City Task Force on Street Children and the Rotary Club of Lahug began to raise funds for Second Chance. Seven years later, the P16-million facility in Barangay Kalunasan opened its doors to the minors. To build the facility, the City also tapped the help of the Cebu Contractors’ Association, the United Architects of the Philippines and the Provincial Government, which donated the lot.
When these children are eventually cleared to go back home, “the community, especially the parents, should be vigilant. They should take on the responsibility, and welcome them,” she said. “Give all these children a chance.”
The hall was abuzz with excitement, as the children interacted with their parents and relatives. It was an added perk for them to have city officials at their anniversary.
“This is just part of the children’s psychosocial activity. This is part of their rehabilitation service in order for them to meet other people and for them not to be ashamed if they meet others,” said Metante.
Metante added that the entire staff was grateful to the Cebu City Government, the mayor’s wife and other agencies for their support of the children and their readiness to help the facility.
“This celebration is also here in order for us to recognize those people who show their concern for the children,” said Metante.
