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DSWD, MSU join forces to provide inclusive, culturally sensitive services for orphans, kids residing in Marawi City's 'torils'
DSWD, MSU join forces to provide inclusive, culturally sensitive services for orphans, kids residing in Marawi City's 'torils'
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Mindanao State University (MSU) entered into a partnership on Tuesday, March 12 to create inclusive and culturally sensitive programs for orphans and children living in “torils” in Marawi City.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and MSU System President Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno took the lead in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the implementation of “Project Riayah” at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.
The collaboration between DSWD and MSU aims to enhance the living conditions, education, and overall well-being of the children and orphans impacted by the Marawi siege in 2017.
After the siege, there has been a significant increase in poverty, affecting the vulnerable sector, particularly children, including many orphaned and abandoned ones, who have sought refuge in torils.
Torils are private educational institutions that offer Quran memorization, Arabic language lessons, and teachings on Islamic principles and laws in a boarding environment. The school accommodates students who live on campus.
“There is a segment of poor, marginalized and vulnerable who are too far, too remote, too unfamiliar, or too intimidated with the rules of government that they do not dare to come to us,” Gatchalian said during the MOU signing.
He emphasized that developing a groundbreaking social protection program for orphans in torils is at the top of his agenda as DSWD chief, which is why children were selected as the recipients of the project.
In January, DSWD Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs Fatima Aliah Dimaporo laid the foundation for Project Riayah through field work and immersion in various Lanao del Sur islamic schools, as well as conducting an inventory of potential torils and “madaris” schools for the project.
Gatchalian explained that the DSWD selected the MSU as its collaborator in the initiative due to the university’s extensive knowledge and understanding of the Muslim community, encompassing the social and cultural background of the children in torils.
“The Department alone cannot do it by itself, so that’s why we are working with the Mindanao State University so that our social protection programs will be tailored fit to the needs of our toril students,” he said.