Archive – Page 2 – Foundation for Filipino Children

Posted: 19 July 2014 by sarah

Kyle’s Walk of the World 2014 (Final) edition: 18 July 2014, Fourth Day Report

Kyle's 5th Vierdaagse Kruis Kyle walked through the Via Gladiola, completing the 160 kms 4-day walk at 3:30 in the extremely warm Friday afternoon of 18^th July, so he could collect support for orphans in the Philippines.

He is one of the 39,910 participants who earned their corresponding Vierdaagse Kruis (Four days’ cross) — in his case, his fifth and final one. The last day of the 98^th edition of the Vierdaagse Nijmegen (Four Days’ Walk of Nijmegen) was the warmest ever recorded. Measurements of body temperatures of some paricipants reached beyond 39 degreees celsius! Kyle also felt that this was his most difficult day since he joined the walk in 2009. He experienced for the first time “asphalt legs” — first degree burns behind his calves up to the lower back portion of his thighs.

Fortunately, after quenching his dry throat with some cold soda and water, and enjoying a refreshing shower at our foster home – he was able to recover his strength, enough to take our train trip back to Utrecht.

You may still send your sponsorship through the official 4daagse sponsor site (until 22 July, not 18 July as earlier announced):

http://www.devierdaagsesponsorloop.nl/index.php/component/comprofiler/userprofile/wandelaar1821

OR through our bank account:

Account Name: Stichting voor Filippijnse Kinderen
IBAN: NL98INGB0004278866

BIC: INGBNL2A

OR through Paypal (through the DONATE button at the left-hand column of this page)

Once more, thank you to those who share Kyle’s cause! Together, we can always bring hope and healing to the orphans of human rights violations in the Philippines.

Last Updated: 17 December 2019 by angie

Kyle’s Walk of the World 2014 (Final) edition: 17 July 2014, Third Day Report

Today proved to be a surprisingly pleasurable day for walking, reports Kyle – thank goodness! Amidst all the warnings of warmer days ahead, some clouds came to the rescue and shielded the walkers from the glaring Nijmegen summer sun; humidity was also a bit lower than yesterday. Maybe it helped a lot that Kyle belonged to the batch who started off at 5:15 a.m. and maybe it also helped that today’s route has always been his favorite route (where there are hills and wonderful mini-forests along the way). Or maybe it was because the organizers provided for more water stations in anticipation of a warmer day.

In any case, we are very happy to meet Kyle and Boyen at the finish line at around 1:40 in the afternoon today. Kyle is one of the 41,110 people who started off during Day 2 (making a total of 1,188 people falling out from the 1^st day’s 42, 298 actual walkers). We eagerly await the official statistics for the 3^rd day.

Tomorrow, again in anticipation of warmer weather, the organizers have moved the atarting time to 15 minutes earlier, so, we will strive to ensure that Kyle can really take-off at exactly 6:00 a.m.! Then we can expect him to cross the “Via Gladiola” anytime between 14:00 – 14:30.

Posted: 16 July 2014 by sarah

Kyle’s Walk of the World 2014 (Final) edition: 16 July 2014, Second Day Report

Kyle between to The second day of the Walk of the World (or Four Days Marches) was not as pleasurable as yesterday. Though Kyle was able to catch a few more sleeping time as he was scheduled to leave only at 6:15 in the morning, it turned out to be an exhausting day. This is because of the relative warmth ((in contrast to yesterday’s cloudy and cool weather) and the “very busy” route, according to Kyle’s father (and walking companion), Boyen. They clocked back in at the Wedren at around 15:45 (3:45 in the afternoon).

But it was a colorful day today – as many participants wore pink – Pink Wednesday as they call it here. Many cheerers have also occupied the seats meant to be used to welcome all the successful walkers on Friday. And, of course, you can hear music and feasting all around the city of Nijmegen.

We then treated our (most wonderful) Nijmegen family with a Filipino dinner. We served longganisa (Filipino sausages), fried rice, ginisang ampalaya (sauteed bitter gourd fruit), and tomato salad; and capped it with cassava cake for dessert. The longganisa and cassava cake were highly appreciated; while the ginisang ampalaya received mixed reviews – interesting and exotic for Marianne and Co, too bitter for Coby.

Kyle and Boyen are recovering their strength now – getting ready for tomorrow’s start at 5:15 in the morning.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who are accompanying Kyle with the walk – for all the greetings, the donations and the love coming our way! We would especially like to mention the warm efforts of our friends in Australia who have actually almost paralleled our collection (almost 500 Euros now) here in the Netherlands. THANK YOU!!!!

Posted: 15 July 2014 by sarah

Kyle’s Walk of the World 2014 (FINAL) Edition: 15 July 2014, First Day Report

Kyle crosses the finish line with other participants

Kyle set-off at 05:15 in the morning, all ready to participate in the 98th edition of the Walk of the World (or Four Days Marches) in Nijmegen. He clocked back in at the Wedren at around 13:45 (1:45 in the afternoon).

At the starting line 53,844 people from all over the world have registered for the 98^th Four Days Marches. Thus, 7,844 first-time entrants had to be excluded by a draw early in April. Interest in the Four Days Marches was greater than ever this year, beating the 2005 record by 508 registrations. The number of walkers disappointed by the draw also broke the previous record. The organizers limit registration to 46,000 people, prioritizing those who have done the walk at least once in the past, before taking in first-timers.

Kyle is one of the 43,013 walkers who confirmed their registration yesterday. From the 46,000 registrations, an average of 42,000 usually end up really doing the walk. Then around 200-500participants will still not be able to “survive” the day…

He went out of our foster home this morning determined to take the challenge of completing his final walk in the Four Day Marches in Nijmegen. Amidst forecast of relatively warm weather, he brought lots of water, a hearty lunch of rice with beef “tapa” (jerky) and a variety of muesli and fruit bars as snacks. He was also ready with a sun visor with the Philippine map imprinted on it.

He also greatly appreciates all the encouraging messages (and pledges of support) he received from friends, relatives and sponsors all over the world! With much pleasure and gratitude, we take this opportunity to announce that even before the 4Daagse actually started, we have already received a total of 400,00 Euros!

With this, we call on your kind generosity (again) to support Kyle’s walk in its FINAL year.

You may send your donation to:

Account Name: Stichting voor Filippijnse Kinderen
IBAN: NL98INGB0004278866

Please indicate: “Sponsor Kyle” then please send an email to kyleswalk@filipinochildren.net to inform us about your donation; we shall likewise send you an acknowledgement as soon as we receive the amount in the bank. Since this will be the final edition of the walk, we will be collecting sponsorships until the end of August (so, please help us spread the word). For donations from outside the Netherlands, please include the BIC: INGBNL2A

You may also send your donation through the official 4Daagse site (but up until 18 July 2014 and for Dutch speakers only):

http://www.devierdaagsesponsorloop.nl/index.php/component/comprofiler/userprofile/wandelaar1821

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT! Till tomorrow!

Last Updated: 16 December 2019 by sarah

Kyle’s Walk of the World 2014

Come 15-18 July 2014, now 17-year old Kyle Baleva will be participating in the 98th edition of the Walk of the World in Nijmegen for the 5th time. This year, he will walk a total of 160 kilometers to gather donations for orphans in the Philippines. The amount collected will be sent to support the Children’s Rehabilitation Center’s Hand for an Orphan program.

Through the donations received from Kyle’s Walk of the World in 2009, six orphans were provided with educational and nutritional support for one year. In 2010, a total of about 40 orphans (aged 3 to 16) were able to participate in a peace camp. The activity provided these children a means to express their deep longing for peace and justice through creative work and play. In 2011 and 2012, the money collected was not only able to support some very basic needs of 6 young orphans, it made possible the organization of yet another peace camp participated in by about 100 children from different parts of the country!

In 2013, Kyle unfortunately had some health issues, hindering him from doing the annual walk. It is very heartening to note though, that some sponsors continued to send their support for the orphans even then. On behalf of Sugar, Karlo, Philip, Jan Karlo, Jackielyn Karla, and Lorraine, we thank you for your unwavering support!

We take this opportunity, too, to announce that this year is Kyle’s final walk with the Vierdaagse Nijmegen. As much as he would want to continue doing this to raise funds for the orphans back home, we foresee that next year will be a very busy one for him, as Kyle completes his 6th year from the Utrechts Stedelijk Gymnasium, and move on to the university.

You may send your donation to:
Account Name: Stichting voor Filippijnse Kinderen

Please indicate: “Sponsor Kyle” and please send an email to kyleswalk@filipinochildren.net to inform us about your donation; we shall likewise send you acknowledgement by email as soon as we receive your donation in the bank.

Posted: 21 July 2012 by sarah

Walk of the World 2012: 160 kilometers completed by Kyle G. Baleva at 15:59, Friday, 20 July!

welcomers Kyle was greeted by a big group of friends and family at the end of the Via Gladiola on Friday, the last day of the 96th edition of the VIerdaagse Nijmegen. Bravely going through the heat, rain, great crowd (he finds the latter to be his most formidable challenge) and a total distance of 160 kilometers in a span of 4 days, he finally was able to receive his 4th “Vierdaagsekruis” medal, clocking in at 15:59.

We also received messages through SMS, internet-based social media and email from other friends and family around the world to congratulate Kyle. We have already received a total of 1155 Euros donations through the bank and through the official “sponsorloop” website, and expect at least 500 Euros more in the next few weeks from pledges.

We are very relieved that in spite of the longer distance this year, Kyle still did not suffer from any blisters nor any other physical injury. Asked if he will be walking again next year, he immediately answers, “Of course, the orphans still need our help!”

Again, on behalf of Kyle and the CRC, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the sponsors and donors thus far! Donations are still very much welcome, preferably before the end of August (we will be sending the money to the Children’s Rehabilitation Center by then):

Account name: Stichting voor Filippijnse Kinderen Account number: 4278866 Please indicate: “Sponsor Kyle”

For international transfers (from banks outside of the Netherlands): Please use IBAN: NL98INGB0004278866 BIC: INGBNL2A

For any message or inquiries, please contact us at our email: kyleswalk@filipinochildren.net. We would appreciate receiving sponsor’s email addresses or postal addresses so that we can acknowledge your donation as soon as they appear in our bank account records and send you periodic updates and the terminal report of the project, too.

Posted: 19 July 2012 by sarah

Kyle’s Walk of the World THIRD DAY REPORT

19 July morning statistics We are very glad to report that Kyle successfully hurdled his 3rd 40 kilometers today! He is quite confident to be able to finish all of the four days’ walk tomorrow. Before starting out in the morning, we have come to know that out of the 40630 people who actually started the walk 17th of July, 317 had fallen out after the first day and 908 more did not get to finish the second day. More are expected to have fallen out today.

Kyle arrived back at the Wedren (start and finish points in Nijmegen) at 3:11 in the afternoon, amidst large drops of rain. But he did not mind the rain too much, saying he even had a better day today than yesterday. This was in spite of the fact that they had to go through the so called “Seven hills” (Zevenheuvelen in Groesbeek) – a path seen by his father as being the hardest among the four routes.

We, too, are confident that he shall complete all of the 160 kilometers and walk through the Via Gladiola tomorrow. After a healthy dinner planned and prepared by our “sister”, Coby, Kyle is all set to go on the last stretch from 6:15 again tomorrow. Together with some very good friends, we will be awaiting father and son at around 3:00 in the afternoon, and welcome them with the traditional gladioli.

We would like to thank those who have sent in their donations already (even before Kyle actually finishes!). We have now received a total of 615 Euros in the bank and will be processing the 295 Euros worth of pledges in the official Vierdaagse sponsor site soon after tomorrow. We hope to be able to receive all donations by August 15, 2012 so we could send the proceeds to the Children’s Rehabilitation Center in the latter half of that month.

We hope you can help us further by spreading the news to your friends and encouraging them to contribute to the project as well.

Posted: 18 July 2012 by sarah

Kyle’s Walk of the World 2012 SECOND DAY REPORT

Second Day 2012 Again averaging 5 kilometers per hour, Kyle trekked through the adjacent towns Wijchen and Beunigen from and back to Nijmegen in almost 8 hours! Today, the weather was wonderfully dry but cool, in contrast to the previous 2 days. There were clouds all over, but only enough to shield them from the scorching rays of the sun.

He started off from the Wedren at 5:38 and was able to return at 13:33 in the afternoon. He did have some pains on his legs and big toe — but he shortly recovered with a little rest, refreshing shower and a little nap. By 6:30 in the evening, he was ready to enjoy the sumptuous meal prepared by our dearest hosts. Using fresh vegetables from her own garden, Marianne whipped up a delicious dish with couscous and shrimps! We all then took our desserts while watching the Vierdaagse journal from the local channel, Omroep Gelderland.

Kyle has now retired to bed, after a foot massage with the aid of a coconut based body lotion (from the Philippines, courtesy of an uncle). Tomorrow, he is set to start at 6:15 in the morning, with a forecast of rain and brief thunderstorms!!!

Kyle was in one of the scenes in a TV news program of the Vierdaagse. It was taken at the start of the first day (17 July). Watch out for him between frames from 11:00 to 11:05 minutes: http://www.sbs6.nl/programmas/de-vierdaagse/videos/2012/dag-2/de-vierdaagse-dag-2

As for the collections thus far, we received 110 Euros more in the bank account today – thank you so much to our sponsors! Your generous contributions will surely go a long way for the orphans of extrajudicial killings and other human rights violation victims in the Philippines.

Posted: 18 July 2012 by sarah

DAY 2 UPDATE (2012 edition)

You can find where Kyle is along the route by following him via the internet. Just go to the website: http://4dfollowme.nl/, type Kyle’s “loopnummer” (walk number in English): 40G461, and follow him through the blue route today. Dag 2: Wijchen (Day 2: through Wijchen)

Posted: 17 July 2012 by sarah

Kyle’s Walk of the World 2012 FIRST DAY REPORT

Day 1 Kyle has successfully finished his first 40 kilometers on the first day of the Four-day Walk of the World! Hoera!

With an average speed of 5 kilometers per hour, he reached the “finish line” almost exactly 8 hours after they started off in the morning. Setting-off at 6:45, he reached Vossenpelsestraat in Lent (6.1 Km) by 7:47. They then proceeded to Angeren (9:27) and further to Elst (11:13), after taking a pause for lunch, they followed the route towards Oosterhout (13:12). In no time, they were back at the Wedren in Nijmegen at 14:44.

During the day, “uncles”, “aunts” and friends were sending their best wishes for Kyle and sent encouraging messages through the email, facebook and text messages. These were warmly welcomed by Kyle…thank you everyone, for your kind words!

Kyle ended the day with a hearty dinner of “longganisa” (Filipino sausages), fresh vegetable salad with balsamico sauce and rice and capped it with ice cream for dessert. He is now snugly tucked in bed because he needs to rise at 4:00 in the morning to be able to start at 5:15 tomorrow.

Money at the bank increased to 395 Euros, while the “sponsorloop” website revealed a total of 295 Euros. Thank you, dear sponsors! Do please continue to spread the word to your networks – forward these emails, follow us on Facebook and share our posts to your friends!

DONATIONS welcome through:

Account Name: Stichting voor Filippijnse Kinderen
Account number: 4278866 (for bank accounts from the Netherlands)

For international transfers (from banks outside of the Netherlands)
IBAN: NL98INGB0004278866
BIC: INGBNL2A

Related article in Dutch (4daagsehelden), written in 2010: http://www.4daagsehelden.nl/4daagsehelden-nomineren-elkaar

Posted: 17 July 2012 by sarah

Kyle’s Walk of the World 2012 has begun!

Kyle woke-up today at 5:00 in the morning to gear himself up for the first day of the Vierdaagse Nijmegen. By 6:00 o’clock, he, together with his father and co-walker/friend Coby, stepped out of our foster home (owned by the greatest couple in Nijmegen, Marianne and Co!) onto the starting line at the Wedren.

Though this is the 4th time that Kyle joined some 45000 other walkers of the Four-day Walk of the World, this will be the first time that he will be walking through the 40 kilometer route. He used to walk a total of 120 kilometers, now he is registered to go through a total of 160 kilometers in the upcoming 4 days. As he turned 15 last year, he took the challenge of taking the normal adult distance in this year’s walk. He trained hard for this, also hoping to get more sponsors for the orphans back home (in the Philippines).

Weather forecasts were telling us to expect a rather wet 96^th edition of the Vierdaagse Nijmegen. And registration day (yesterday) proved to be really rainy! But we are hoping that today will be a little bit drier – Kyle hopes to walk under cloudy skies and only through intermittent showers.

You can find where Kyle is along the route by following him via the internet. Just go to the website: http://4dfollowme.nl/ , type Kyle’s “loopnummer” (walk number in English): 40G461, and follow him through the green route today. Dag 1: Elst (Day 1: through Elst)

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have sent in their donations already! We have actually received the total amount of 275 Euros in the Stichting voor Filippijnse Kinderen account, while the official Vierdaagse Sponsorloop site shows a total amount of 285 Euros. These donations and messages have come from all over the Netherlands, Germany and the US.

You may still send your contributions through:

The Vierdaagse Sponsorloop site (in Dutch), by clicking on the link:

https://www.devierdaagsesponsorloop.nl/index.php/ik-ben-sponsor?option=com_content&view=article&catid=2&id=5&did=52&src=sp

and further clicking on the red text “Ja, ik wil graag Kyle sponsoren” below his write up. Please fill the form page up and your donation will be transferred to our account after Kyle crosses the finish line on Friday.

Or if the link does not lead directly to Kyle’s page, go to: https://www.devierdaagsesponsorloop.nl/ go to “HOME”, click on “Ik wil doneren” (found on the right hand column of the page), then type in BALEVA and click on “ZOEKEN”, then click on the red lettered “PROFIEL” and you should find Kyle’s page. Follow the instructions above.

OR directly to our bank account:

Account Name: Stichting voor Filippijnse Kinderen
Account number: 4278866 (for bank accounts from the Netherlands)

For international transfers (from banks outside of the Netherlands)
IBAN: NL98INGB0004278866
BIC: INGBNL2A

Please indicate “Sponsor Kyle” and please send an email to kyleswalk@filipinochildren.net to inform us about your donation; we shall send you an acknowledgment (also by email) as soon as we receive your donation in the bank. Likewise, we will send you periodic updates (during and after the walk, end of the year), and the full terminal report of the project by first quarter of next year.

We have received more pledges amounting to about 600 euros and encouraging messages from friends all over the world. You may still help us to help more orphans in the Philippines by sending in your contributions and sharing this letter to your friends!

Thank you and we will be back later this evening to report on Kyle’s first day.

Posted: 03 February 2012 by sarah

Kyle’s 4e Wereldloop voor Weeskinderen

Calubad orphans

Read in English

Van 17-20 juli a.s. zal de 15-jarige Kyle Baleva voor de vierde keer meedoen aan de Wandelvierdaagse van Nijmegen om geld op te halen voor weeskinderen in de Filippijnen. Dit geld zal besteed worden aan schoolmateriaal, voedsel, medicijnen en andere behoeften voor de kinderen wier ouders zijn ontvoerd of om het leven zijn gebracht.

In de Filippijnen raakt een toenemend aantal kinderen hun ouders kwijt door ontvoering of moord. Hun aantal is sinds 2001 zelfs hoger dan tijdens de jaren van de Marcos dictatuur van 1966-1986. Mensen die werken aan maatschappelijke verbeteringen deden dat toen, en nu weer, niet zonder gevaar voor eigen leven.

Het Kinderrevalidatie Centrum (CRC) verleent psychosociale hulp aan kinderen en hun families die slachtoffer zijn geworden van mensenrechtenschendingen en andere catastrofe. Met het speciale programma “Hand for an Orphan” (handreiking aan een weeskind) steunen zij deze kinderen samen met verschillende organisaties en personen om betere hulp te kunnen bieden.

In 2009 konden met het geld, dat Kyle’s Wereldloop opbracht, zes weeskinderen geholpen worden (lesmaterialen en voedsel voor een jaar). In 2010 werd het geld o.a. besteed aan een vredeskamp. Aan het kamp namen 40 weeskinderen deel in de leeftijd van 3 tot 16 jaar. Hiermee geven ze een stem aan de weeskinderen, die op deze wijze uiting geven aan hun verlangen naar vrede.

Vorige jaar konden met het geld nog een keer zes weeskinderen geholpen worden en een vredeskamp met 100 deelnemers georganiseerd.

Steun weeskinderen in de Filippijnen. Steun Kyle om deze kinderen te helpen!

Wordt een sponsorloper! Klik op: https://www.devierdaagsesponsorloop.nl en kies Stichting voor Filipijnse Kinderen

Wilt u deze goede doel steunen? Sponsor Baleva op https://www.devierdaagsesponsorloop.nl

Donaties zijn ook welkom bij:
Stichting voor Filippijnse Kinderen
Bankrekening: 4278866 onder vermelding van “Sponsor Kyle”

Meld uw gift of toezegging s.v.p. aan kyleswalk@filipinochildren.net; we zullen een bevestiging aan u per email verzenden als uw donaties in het bankafschrift staan.

KYLE’S 4TH WALK OF THE WORLD (for “A Hand for an Orphan” project)

Come 17-20 July 2012, 15-year old Kyle Baleva will be participating in the 96th edition of the Walk of the World in Nijmegen for the 4th time in a row. This year, he will walk a total of 160 kilometers to gather donations for orphans in the Philippines. The amount collected will be used for educational and school materials, nutritional support, medicines and other needs of children whose parents were either disappeared or killed.

In the Philippines today, hundreds of children have been orphaned due to political killings and disappearances. Since 2001, the numbers of these victims have risen to proportions even greater than that during the 20-year Marcos dictatorship (1966-1986). Filipinos continue to struggle for their basic rights and better social conditions, not without risks to their very lives.

The Children’s Rehabilitation Center provides psychosocial support for children (and their family) who have been victims of human rights violations, natural disasters and sexual abuse. A special program, A Hand for an Orphan, provides support for children who were orphaned due to political killings and disappearances. Together with other organizations such as the Stichting voor Filippijnse Kinderen and concerned individuals, CRC can continue providing the children an opportunity for survival and healing.

Last year (2011), the money collected was not only able to support some very basic needs of 6 young orphans, it made possible the organization of yet another peace camp participated in by about 100 children from different parts of the country.

Help orphans in the Philippines. Help Kyle help other children!

Are you also joining the Vierdaagse Nijmegen? Be a sponsorloper! Follow this link https://www.devierdaagsesponsorloop.nl and choose to support the Stichting voor Filipijnse Kinderen (click at the “keuze goede doel” choices)

Would you like to support this project? Sponsor “Baleva” from this link: https://www.devierdaagsesponsorloop.nl
or simply send your donation to:

Account Name: Stichting voor Filippijnse Kinderen
Bank account number: 4278866 (for bank accounts from the Netherlands)

For international transfers (from banks outside of the Netherlands)
IBAN: NL98INGB0004278866 BIC: INGBNL2A

Posted: 23 July 2011 by sarah

Kyle finishes Nijmegen Walk of the World for the third time

We are very glad to report that Kyle was able to finish the 95th Vierdaagse Nijmegen at 13:36 in the afternoon of Friday, 22 July! He was able to hike a total of 120 kilometers in four days!

As in the two previous years, he was able to go through the entire event without suffering any blister or injury. All those who welcomed him at the finish line could not help but remark that he did not look like he walked those distances already. It was indeed a very good end to his three months training!

As of this writing, we have already received a total of €870,00 in the Stichting voor Filippijnse Kinderen’s account, coming from sponsors all over the Netherlands, some from Belgium, and also from the USA. We are happy to note that there were also 14 sponsors who donated a total of €370,00 through the official sponsors’ website of the Vierdaagse event. We expect to receive these donations soon in the foundation’s bank account. We also expect to receive the rest of the pledges in the next couple of weeks.

On behalf of the Children’s Rehabilitation Center’s (CRC) and the beneficiaries of the A Hand for an Orphan project, we would like to extend our most heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors who have made this project a success! Thank you for extending your hands to these children. Together, we will accompany them in their long journey for justice and peace.

Posted: 21 July 2011 by sarah

Kyle’s Walk of the World 3rd day report

Tomorrow is gladiola day! The last day of the four-day marches…

On the third day of the Vierdaagse Nijmegen, Kyle clocked in at 13:59 (even if he started relatively late at 7:50 in the morning). They were the last of the luckier participants who were able to escape the heavy rains for the day. We just had to let the dark clouds pass by in front of a bar (they had a large parachute covering some tables and stools) somewhere in the central commercial district of Nijmegen before we went back home.

Home for the past 4 days is with our foster family in Nijmegen — Co and Marianne, plus an additional “sister”, Cobi (who wasn’t too fortunate with the rains). We are all ready to face the last day in the 95th edition of the Walk of the World.

We invite everyone to join us in welcoming Kyle at the Wedren, in Nijmegen. We expect him to arrive at about 14:00, so, we would like to advise those who plan to come to be in Nijmegen before then. Don’t forget the gladioli!*

* The international Four Day Marches, known as the “Walk of the World”, is the largest marching event in the world. Participants walk 30, 40, or 50 kilometers daily and on completion receive the Vierdaagsekruis medal, an official Dutch decoration. As participants approach the finish on Friday (22 July), the public awards the walkers with gladioli, a symbol of force and victory stemming from Roman times when gladiators were showered with Gladioli.

Posted: 20 July 2011 by sarah

Kyle’s Walk of the World 2011 2nd day report

What started out as a very fine day for walking (Start time: 07:36)…

What started out as a very fine day for walking (Start time: 07:36)...

…ended up with medium showers (End time: 14:00)!

Ended up with medium showers (End time: 14:00)!

Posted: 19 July 2011 by sarah

Kyle’s Walk of the World 2011 1st day report

Kyle started the Four-Day Walk of the World at 7:48 and clocked back in at 14:21. He trekked the 32.8 kms. through the nearby municipality of Elst before going back to “de Wedren” (start and finish line in Nijmegen), walking at a pace of about 4km/hour.

More messages of encouragement and donations are also coming in. Again, our warmest gratitude to those who have contributed to this cause!

Tomorrow, 20 July (up until Friday 22 July), you may still follow Kyle (live!) via internet through http://www.de4daagselive.nl/30H297

Donations may be coursed through the official sponsor site of the Vierdaagse Nimegen: http://devierdaagsesponsorloop.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=2&id=5&did=284&src=

OR through the following bank account:
Account Name: Stichting voor Filippijnse Kinderen
Bank account number: 4278866
and for international transfers (outside of the Netherlands) IBAN: NL98INGB0004278866 BIC: INGBNL2A

Please continue to send your messages for Kyle through email: kyleswalk@filipinochildren.net. Do please feel free to forward this action to your network as well.

Kyle, with his father Boyen, lines up with the 42,812 registered participants to the 95th Vierdaagse Nijmegen

Posted: 12 June 2011 by sarah

Kyle’s Walk of the World 2011

On 19-22 July 2011, 14-year old Kyle G. Baleva will join the 95th International Four-Day Marches in Nijmegen, in the Netherlands. He will join about 45,000 participants and hike 30 kilometers per day for a total of 120 km in four days. This will be the third time that he has embarked on this endeavor.

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Kyle will again do “The Walk of the World” in order to raise funds for orphaned children in the Philippines. The money raised will buy toys, art materials, educational materials, clothes, food and medicines for children whose parents have disappeared or died due to violent causes.

Would you like to help Kyle’s “Walk of the World”?

You can:

Pledge €10,00 per day or €40,00 for the 4-day hike
Donate a fixed amount
Volunteer to collect donations, support Kyle’s training or help Kyle during the 4-day hike

Please send your donations to the bank account of:
Stichting voor Filippijnse Kinderen
Account number: 4278866
and please indicate: “Sponsor Kyle”

For international transfers (outside of the Netherlands) IBAN: NL98INGB0004278866 BIC: INGBNL2A

For more information or any message for Kyle, please contact us through: Email kyleswalk@filipinochildren.net or inquire@filipinochildren.net You may also call Angie:+316-30911756 or Boyen:+316-51331013

Posted: 14 May 2011 by sarah

Children and schools caught in Philippine conflicts, UN concerned about AFP tactics

Surigao evacuation http://interaksyon.com

12-May-11, 12:10 PM | Carlos H. Conde, InterAksyon.com

MANILA, Philippines – The soldiers descended on the Lumad (tribal) villages of Lianga where, according to human rights and tribal groups, they put up checkpoints that restricted the movement of residents and imposed a blockade that severely constrained the food supply to the communities.

The militarization of the villages in Lianga and two other towns of Surigao del Sur, in the southern Philippines, in 2008 and 2009 also forced hundreds of villagers to evacuate.

The children at two schools specially built for the Manobo tribe – the Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Livelihood Development and the Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur – suffered the most as a result of the militarization, according to advocacy groups. Because of the food blockade, children went to school on empty or half-empty stomachs. Worse, classes had to be suspended.

Posted: 05 March 2011 by sarah

Child Soldiers or Victims?

http://bulatlat.com/main/2011/03/05/child-soldiers-or-victims/

05-March-11, | Ina Alleco R. Silverio, Bulatlat.com

The children of political activists and human rights workers who have fallen victim to extrajudicial killings are orphaned, their young lives marred and damaged by the experience of losing their parents to state violence. As for the child victims of extrajudicial killings themselves, their brutal killing at the hands of the military prove the extent of the AFP’s impunity—not even the most innocent are spared.

A decade ago, novelist and comic book writer Neil Gaiman and a few others wrote and published under DC Vertigo an illustrated novel called “The Children’s Crusade.”

Posted: 24 July 2010 by sarah

Kyle walks 120km for A Hand for an Orphan project

Kyle Baleva (left) with his Nijmegen foster family Marianne Jansen and Co Martens. At right is Angie M. Gonzales, Kyle's mother and Chairperson of the Foundation for Filipino Children. It is our honor to inform you that Kyle has successfully walked a total of 120 km Friday (23 July), capping his participation in Nijmegen’s Walk of the World at about 14:00! For this feat, he acquired his second “Vierdaagsekruis” medal, an official Dutch decoration.

We are even more glad to report that aside from some ankle pain, he did not experience any other injury, not even a single blister on his feet! He bravely crossed the finish line, relieved that he would only need to walk part of the way back home to Utrecht and would not need to wake up very early the following day. Yet he already looks forward to joining the walk once again next year!

It takes a movement to raise a child