Project CHERISH encompassing all these, was conceived to stand for:

C hildren’s
H ealth (mental, physical social, spiritual, emotional and economic)
E nhanced and
R ehabilitated
I n
S couting
H ands

Project CHERISH takes place in a center where there are disadvantaged children – victims of circumstances. Because their parents are preoccupied with work and self-development activities, their children need care and attention such as that which the Girl Scouts can offer. Services would be sustained for as long as necessary and logistical support is assured.

OBJECTIVES

1. To provide service opportunities to Girl Scout participants.
2. To meet the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social and economic needs of disadvantaged children aged 0-11.
3. To ease the load and offer help to busy parents.

PARTICIPANTS

The Project is open to all Girl Scouts, whether girl or adult who wish to render service according to their capabilities as limited by their age, health, time, training and resources as well as by the conditions existing in the service area.  Those who will render direct service will undergo intensive training. All precautions shall be taken for the safety and welfare of everyone. GSP program standards cover the operations of the whole project.

CLIENTELE

The clientele are disadvantaged children aged eleven (11) years old and below who have permission from their parents to participate in the project.

NATURE OF PARTICIPATION

A. DIRECT PARTICIPATION:

• Survey and gather facts
• Assess needs
• Communicate and link up with other agencies/individuals serving the center
• Make the corresponding referrals
• Plan and implement activities in any of the following SEVEN “CHERISH” CONCERNS:
  • Health and Hygiene
  • Recreation
  • Nutrition & Food Distribution
  • Sanitation
  • Values Education
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Literacy
  • Monitor and evaluate
  • Report and document

B. INDIRECT PARTICIPATION:

Participants with limited capabilities for reasons of health, age or disability, who can not go to the project site, may render the following services:

• Help collect toys, educational materials and other supplies for children
• Assist in packing same
• Campaign for support
• Prepare inspirational materials such as greeting cards, toys, crafts, etc.

Contribute whatever they can.

ACTIVITIES

Activities are training-oriented and entail sharing of information, demonstration and practice under close supervision. The Girl Scouts are enablers. They do not assume the roles of teachers, mothers, or nurses. Their primary role is to help children develop themselves under each “CHERISH” concern:

1. Health and Hygiene

• bathing
• grooming
• exercise
• practicing good health habits etc.

2. Recreation

• sports
• games
• songs
• talent shows
• contests
• nature lore

3. Nutrition

• “Operation Timbang” (weight monitoring)
• food preparation
• food distribution
• feeding

4. Sanitation

• waste management
• housekeeping
• cleaning of surroundings

5. Values Education

• spiritual reading
• character building
• guidance and counseling

6. Arts and Crafts

• drawing
• dancing
• dramatics
• weaving
• sewing
• playing musical instruments

7. Literacy

• storytelling
• reading
• writing
• arithmetic

In all these, Girl Scouts use their ways of work such as the Patrol System, learning by doing, Promise and Law, etc.

Check Points

1. Girl Scout participants should be physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to render the service.
2. The Girl Scout should know and understand the needs of their clientele.
3. Health of all participants should be the primary concern.
4. Participants who will render direct service should undergo intensive training under qualified trainers. (Badgework activities are included here.)
5. There should be supervision by qualified adults.
6. All necessary permits should be secured.
7. Clientele and Girl Scouts should plan together for balanced and suitable activities. (Where two or more Troops are involved, representatives of each troop form a planning and coordinating team.)
8. Customs, traditions, beliefs, and practices should be respected.
9. Hazards should be identified and corresponding controls set in place.
10. Proper tools, equipment, and supplies e.g. first aid kit should be available.
11. In case of emergency, pre-arranged medical attention/services should be readily available.
12. Efforts should be exerted to complete the facilities/services in the centers (e.g. latrines for the lack of toilets).
13. Activities should have minimum environmental impact.
14. Clientele should be made aware of their environmental responsibilities.
15. Activities should be enjoyable for both the Girl Scouts and clientele.

EVALUATION

1. Number of children served.
2. Number of Girl Scouts involved.
3. Marked changes in the Girl Scout participants.
4. Marked changes on the children.
5. Community’s expressed satisfaction.
6. Duration of the project/number of hours.
7. Cost of the project.
8. Badges earned.

CONCLUSION

Children’s health and welfare is a universal concern and project CHERISH is the Girl Scouts’ answer.