Is work, child's play? Poverty in the Philippines Case Study Student Activities Teacher's Notes Overview An Australian Government's overseas aid project is aiming to improve the health and development of street and urban working children in the Philippines. This case study explores the streets of the Philippines through visions of children's living conditions and work demands. It examines the impact of these conditions on the children's health and development. It also investigates the various strategies aid organisations have devised and implemented to optimize the health and development of these children. Are they effective? How have aid programs impacted on the future of these children? Level Upper secondary Links with nationally developed statements and profiles Note: This case study has been written with particular attention to the VCE Health and Human Development Curriculum, Unit 4, An international perspective on development and health. The case study is also useful for the following learning areas: Health and personal development Health of individuals and populations (Concept strand) Studies of Society and Environment Place and space, resources (Concept Strands) Investigation, communication and participation (Process Strand) Objectives Students will: investigate the impact of work on the development and health of a child; understand strategies being implemented by Australia's aid program to optimise the development and health of street and urban working children in the Philippines; assess the effectiveness of these strategies in improving the development and health of these street and urban working children; debate the roles and responsibilities of governments and aid agencies in the provision of sustainable health care in developing countries. Preparation copies of case study butchers paper for concept maps poster paper/cardboard, textas, magazines, scissors and glue for posters Procedure The initial two introductory activities are designed to help students try to relate to the lifestyle experienced by families living in the urban slums of the Philippines. Depending on time and student interest, it is anticipated that only one activity be selected to be undertaken by students. Teachers may wish to supplement these activities with a video depicting street life in the Philippines. The learning outcomes of activities 3 and 4 are similar in that they examine how the specific strategies of the project aim to improve the health and development of children and their families. Teachers should choose one of these activities according to student interest and skills, and time available. The concluding activities require students to analyse the effectiveness of the project as a class and share their responses illustrating specific points of relevance. By the class examining the total project as a group, students should conclude with an overall understanding of the projects effectiveness. Finally students will debate the roles and responsibilities of government and non government organisations (NGOs) in relation to sustainable development in the Philippines. The case study provides an opportunity for students to endeavour to understand the motivation for each party's involvement in the project. It may be necessary for the teacher to expand the concept of sustainable development when students undertake question six. Resources Information on the Conventions of the rights of the child. Other Global Education case studies on child labour: In India, Girl Labourers Quit Work for School Friends House for Street Children Friends House in Phnom Penh - Best Friends in Cambodia Conventions on the Rights of the Child Video. Keeping the Mountains Green. World Vision Australia. 1997. 20 minutes. Video. Life of chains. World Vision New Zealand. Available World Vision Australia. 1998. 18 minute * Further information and resources can be obtained from the Professional Development Providers. Top © Commonwealth of Australia