Grace Dieu Lodge Supports Vulnerable Children in Manila Through Streetlight Trust

In May this year, Rev’d Clive Watts, then Master of Grace Dieu Lodge No. 2428 in Coalville, travelled to Manila in the Philippines to spend two weeks volunteering with The Streetlight Trust. This UK charity supports the work of Kanlungan sa Er‑Ma Ministries, which provides vital care for some of the poorest and most vulnerable street children in the Ermita and Malate districts of the city.

During his visit, Clive witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by children living in extreme poverty. He visited several street projects, including areas where hundreds of young people survive by scavenging on the city’s vast rubbish dumps, as well as the densely packed shanty communities that surround them. He also spent time at the charity’s day centre, where hundreds of children come each day for food, hygiene facilities, healthcare, and basic education, often the only support they receive.

Clive’s trip also took him to Kanlungan’s three residential children’s homes across Manila, where the most vulnerable children are given safety, stability, and the chance to rebuild their lives. At the Benitez Centre, he discovered that the children were learning guitar on a couple of very old instruments, and the charity could no longer afford a music teacher. Music plays a central role in Filipino culture and is an important part of the children’s emotional wellbeing and rehabilitation, so restarting lessons was a priority.

This is where Grace Dieu Lodge stepped in. Having raised £625 for The Streetlight Trust at their Christmas Festive Board, Clive was able to purchase four new guitars, complete with amplifiers and accessories, and fund a guitar teacher’s salary for the next six months. The joy this brought to the children and staff was immense, matched only by the remarkable natural musical talent the children displayed once given the chance to learn properly.

In addition to the lodge’s donation, Clive has personally raised over £5,000 for The Streetlight Trust in the past year. In the Philippines, such funds stretch astonishingly far, just £100 can feed all the children in one residential home for an entire month. Every penny donated goes directly to Kanlungan’s work, bringing hope, dignity, and opportunity to children who need it most.

A highlight of Clive’s visit was the annual Mini Olympics, a fun-filled day where children from all the charity’s projects come together for games, races, and friendly competition. Events included balloon volleyball, water‑balloon basketball, singing and dancing contests (a must in the Philippines), and a huge barbecue that fed hundreds of children.

Clive intends to continue raising money to support Manila’s street children and hopes to return next year to see the ongoing impact of the lodge’s generosity.