After five months of strenuous work, the University of the Philippines - Diliman’s BS Interior Design Class of 2023 finally concluded their special renovation of the Kuya Center For Street Children in Cubao on February 27, 2023.
ALSO READ: Everything You Need to Know About Applying and Studying at University of the Philippines Diliman
The revamp was part of a social advocacy project called Project Akbay, which aimed to uplift the lives of an underserved community through interior design in line with their course’s final requirement to rehabilitate interior spaces. This year’s beneficiary is the Kuya Center for Street Children—a home and refuge for male runaways, orphans, and street children from low-income families.
More specifically, the Kuya Center for Street Children is a non-governmental organization that was established in 1991 to cater to the increasing problem of poverty-stricken families and street children. As the years went by, this temporary shelter had grown more cramped, lifeless, and inadequate for children to properly grow and prosper.
These push factors can affect a child's growth, and Project Akbay couldn’t stress enough how important conducive spaces are for this very matter. Children need to feel comfortable and motivated to study in that space that has been created specifically for them. This is why they have chosen the Kuya Center as their beneficiary—to redesign their space with a child’s developmental needs in mind.
Project Akbay started their initiative in September 2022, and after several weeks of hard work and dedication, the newly-renovated Kuya Center was finally revealed to the public last week. What was once a temporary shelter with bare bones and limited potential has now transformed into a fun and lively space for street children.
When you walk into the establishment, you’ll definitely be getting a sense that it was designed with love. The once-bleak walls are now painted with colorful murals, their old furniture were replaced with high-end equipment and modular facilities, and plenty of areas were refurbished to become spaces wherein children can thrive and become the best versions of themselves.
Overall, this special renovation provided the Kuya Center a safe and welcoming environment, and Project Akbay couldn’t have done a better job.
But the work doesn’t end there for this temporary shelter. This non-profit organization heavily relies on volunteers and donations, so if you’ve got some time to spare, consider lending a helping hand to the Kuya Center as well. Most of their support comes from volunteers and people who donate, providing them the stability they need to take care of the children and maintain the upkeep of the newly-renovated facilities that Project Akbay has accomplished.
Simply visit their website to submit a form to become a volunteer or become a financial donor. All donations go directly to the cause of childcare—from education to the services necessary to uplift and care for these children.
From The Candy Bulletin Community
.jpg)
