The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and youth-led science and technology media organization ScienceKonek signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Monday, Aug. 4, to introduce science and technology programs in DSWD’s centers and residential care facilities (CRCFs).

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and ScienceKonek founding president Ralph Lauren Abainza formalized the collaboration, which aims to provide youth in these care centers with hands-on science experiments, interactive workshops, and mentorship opportunities.

“Itong ating partnership with ScienceKonek ay very unique. Dadalhin nila ang mga makabagong kaalaman tungkol sa science and technology sa ating mga kabataan sa centers na sisimulan natin sa Nayon ng Kabataan. We are innovatively combining the wonders of science and integrating it into the rehabilitative interventions for the youth (This partnership with ScienceKonek is very unique. They will bring cutting-edge knowledge about science and technology to our youth in centers, starting with the Nayon ng Kabataan. We are innovatively combining the wonders of science with rehabilitative interventions for the youth),” Gatchalian said.

Under the agreement, ScienceKonek will implement its Youth Science Discovery Program (YSDP) at DSWD’s CRCFs, beginning with a pilot program at the Nayon ng Kabataan by the end of August.

The program will also include capacity-building efforts for CRCF employees to ensure its sustainability.

Highlighting the vulnerable situation of youth in residential care, many of whom have experienced neglect or abuse, the DSWD chief emphasized the program’s deeper purpose.

“Aside from giving them shelter, clothing, supporting their schooling, gusto rin natin syempre na by the time they age out of our facilities, may magandang buhay na nag-aantay sa kanila. Ang gusto natin, malilinang yung mga potential nila at mahahanap rin nila yung career na para sa kanila pagdating ng araw (Aside from providing them shelter, clothing, and supporting their schooling, we also want, of course, that by the time they age out of our facilities, a good life awaits them. What we want is for their potentials to be nurtured and for them to find the career that suits them when the time comes),” Gatchalian said.

He also noted the mission to restore hope for the youth, going beyond material assistance.

“This is us telling our youth that we see them and we have faith in them. Despite their past, the future holds so many opportunities for them, especially when so many good-doers, like ScienceKonek, are ready to support them,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abainza expressed gratitude for the opportunity to partner with DSWD.

“We are truly grateful to DSWD, led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who is also a trailblazer not just in local government but also in educated reforms, for this partnership to bring science closer to our fellow Filipino children and youth in DSWD’s child care facilities,” he said.

He added that the collaboration is part of ScienceKonek’s vision to make science accessible to every Filipino child.

“For us, science is, and should always be, for all. Regardless of who we are, a little scientist is waiting to be tapped in each and every one of us," Abainza said.