It's a common aspiration for everyone to desire wealth, especially after enduring significant economic hardship. That was my mindset as I grew up: longing to achieve fame and fortune, reaching the goals that seemed perpetually out of reach. The agony of destitution is profound, especially when everything you need is beyond your reach and the uncertainty of when fortune might finally smile upon you.
During my college education, where I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, my resolve faced early skepticism. In my first semester, a professor cautioned us against expecting financial prosperity from this field, suggesting it would deplete our resources rather than enrich us. Despite this discouragement and the added challenge of being a working student, I remained steadfast in my conviction. I was convinced that social work was my destined career path.
Upon completing my bachelor's degree, I found myself immersed in various childcare institutions, encountering clients from diverse social backgrounds. Many were street kids or young individuals entangled in criminal activities such as theft, pickpocketing, robbery, and gang violence. Presently, I am dedicated to assisting children who have suffered various forms of abuse.
As a case manager, my daily routine involves employing casework tools such as active listening, observation, interviews, building relationships, and conducting home visits. As a people-oriented individual, I derive immense satisfaction from engaging with others, discussing their social challenges, and offering solutions based on assessments and recommendations. Advocating for the oppressed and witnessing transformative change brings me indescribable joy.
Doing case management work at the Children's Shelter of Cebu for nineteen years already would not have been possible without God's strength. Usually, fear haunts me because of life's uncertainties. I am still experiencing enormous challenges as I continue to deal with clients with diverse social problems. Still, the assurance of God's promises that he will be with me in my journey with each client has enabled me to overcome them.
Reaching out to families and empowering them to become cohesive units is another invaluable aspect of my work. We all define "wealth" differently. For me, the richness of my experiences in social work transcends monetary value; they are enduring treasures that will outlast my existence. They cannot be traded for any material wealth in this world. Would you dare to pursue such blessings?
My work ethics in the workplace are anchored in the scripture in the book of Isaiah 41:10.
'So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
All glory to God.
Crisologo B. Secuya
CSC Social Worker
Hands that Serve
We have about 76 child care workers who do day-to-day stuff at the shelter. Most of you who have been to CSC might be aware of this. But for everyone else’s information, we have laundry washers, cooks, cleaners and, of course, the rest of the Aunties—as we call them—who watch over the children at the shelter.
Most of them don’t have a college degree, some never got the chance to finish grade school; but they take pride and joy in working at CSC. They teach the kids household chores, sometimes you see them in the playground playing with the kids and often times, they teach the little ones how to pray. They treat the kids at the shelter like their own.
For some of the aunties, being an educator is a gift. Singing nursery rhymes, dancing and learning how to count are some of their tasks that just come out naturally. Below is a short video of two aunties and some toddlers reading the story of Jonah and the Big Fish.
Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness in providing CSC with very willing hands. Please pray for all of our workers at the shelter as they continue caring for and teaching the kids.
Stacks of Books
The Reading Challenge is finishing up tomorrow! The children have been reading, a lot. Many of them leave school will a stack of books in their hands. The total number of pages read is staggering. Keep reading!
Sore Eyes
Sore eyes has hit CSC! As this blog is being written, seven babies and toddlers and one school age child have sore eyes. Sore eyes is very common in the Philippines. In the US, it is called pink eye. It affects all ages and usually spreads from one eye to the other very quickly. One’s eyes become swollen, turn pink, and are very itchy and painful. It can be miserable for anyone who has it, especially the babies and toddlers. Please pray for all the kids who currently have sore eyes and that it would not spread to others throughout the houses.
Friendships
Everybody needs friends.
For our CSC children, making a new friend is often the most important part of their adjusting to life at the Shelter.
Someone to run with……. Play with…..talk to…….laugh .……study .…..eat… and pray with.
CSC friends teach new kids the ropes, are partners in mischief and sources of understanding, comfort and encouragement. And not only that, they are a lot of fun to hang out with.
Our children come from backgrounds of poverty, neglect and loss. Who better to understand them than a friend who has experienced the same things before coming to live at CSC.
The memories of these friendships could last for a lifetime.
Mabuhay ang Wikang Filipino!
Last Friday, August 28, was a happy day for everyone at CCHS. It was the Buwan ng Wika Celebration, an all-day event focusing on Filipino language. All the students as well as the teachers really had fun.
The Filipino games played in the morning gave every student a chance to participate and every team showed good teamwork. The older kids helped the preschoolers even by carrying the little kids to get the tasks accomplished. It was an amazing sight to see all members of each team working as one.
The afternoon activity was short, but sweet. All the students’ presentations were really great! Each presentation displayed the children’s and teachers’ great efforts.
Mabuhay ang Wikang Filipino!