Taking time off from a farewell tour with his football team LA Galaxy, David Beckham made a surprise visit today to a UNICEF-supported children's shelter in Manila.
"It's so important to have a dream," Beckham told children at the shelter, many of whom were abandoned by their parents and rescued from the streets. Read more about the visit.
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham meets young people in a UNICEF-supported centre for children who once lived and worked on the streets of the Philippines capital.
© UNICEF/2011/Villafranca
The centre is managed by social workers and house parents who provide the care, guidance and support needed by children to help them recover from the difficult experiences in their lives.
© UNICEF/2011/Villafranca
David tries on a graduation gown sewn by children at the centre. Sewing classes are part of the livelihood programmes in the centre, teaching skills as well as providing clothes for the children.
© UNICEF/2011/Villafranca
David plays football with young people from the UNICEF-supported centre. Football is a lifeline for the children in the centre as it helps them build confidence, strength and self-esteem.
© UNICEF/2011/Villafranca
Beckham meets five young people from the centre who once lived and worked on the streets. Children working and living on the streets, especially in large urban centres, are vulnerable to violence, drug abuse, criminal gangs, exploitation and traffic accidents. It’s a tough environment to be a child, and many grow up far too fast.
© UNICEF/2011/Villafranca
David gets a hug from Shaina, a 12 year old girl currently living at the centre. Abandoned by her parents at a very young age, Shaina was picked up on a street for begging and was brought to the centre after her grandmother died. Now Shaina is a star football player and wants to be a nurse when she grows up.
© UNICEF/2011/Villafranca
David looks at artwork by children from the centre, showing the story of their lives. Art classes are part of a programme to help children recover and get back a sense of normality in their lives.
© UNICEF/2011/Villafranca
With the right support and encouragement, children can choose to leave the streets and find a way back to mainstream society. By building their self-esteem, and taking opportunities to learn, these children gain a second chance at life.
© UNICEF/2011/Villafranca
This centre in Manila is just one UNICEF-supported project. We work all over the world to protect children living and working in dangerous settings, like the streets of big cities. Donate to UNICEF's work with children.
© UNICEF/2011/Villafranca
