Creating Change for a Brighter Tomorrow – Discover How Virlanie Supports Vulnerable Children in the Philippines
For more than 30 years, the Virlanie Foundation has been a lifeline for vulnerable children and families across the Philippines. Founded in 1992 by French social worker Dominique Lemay, Virlanie works to protect, care for, and empower those who are abandoned, neglected, or living in poverty. Through a holistic approach that combines shelter, health, education, family strengthening, and community programs, Virlanie strives to break cycles of marginalisation and give every child the chance to build a brighter future.
Today, Fondation de France Asia is proud to partner with Virlanie to raise funds that sustain and expand these vital programs — ensuring thousands more children and families have access to protection, education, and dignity.
Virlanie’s journey began with Dominique Lemay’s study of street children in 1987, leading to the foundation’s establishment in 1992. Beyond the critical immediate relief provided by your Residential and Street programs, how has Virlanie’s long-term strategy evolved to specifically address the ‘prevention of intergenerational poverty’ and ‘breaking the chain of poverty’ through programs like the Community program, particularly in the Metro Manila area? Could you share a specific example of how this preventative focus has yielded measurable, sustainable change for a family or community?
Virlanie’s long-term strategy has evolved from providing immediate relief to implementing sustainable, community-based solutions that address the root causes of intergenerational poverty. While our Residential and Street Programs remain vital, the Community Program has become the cornerstone of our efforts to prevent children from falling into street situations and break the cycle of poverty at its source. Originally created to support the families of children in residential care, the Community Program has grown into a holistic, participatory model for community-led development. Its evolution reflects a shift from charity to empowerment, equipping families—especially in Metro Manila’s most vulnerable areas—with tools and opportunities to become self-reliant.
Key Impact (2000–2025):
• 1,490 families supported long-term across 10 communities.
• 845 students received educational assistance; many became college graduates now fully independent.
• 25% of families accessed livelihood support tailored to their skills (baking, sewing, weaving, mushroom growing).
• Creation of the D’Liders Cooperative, a community-run social enterprise.
• 200 parent volunteers trained and active in local implementation.
• 1,200 children engaged in youth-led child rights sessions (ALAB).
• 52 families rebuilt homes post-disaster; 42 families reintegrated into provinces via Balik Probinsya.
• 6,350 families received food support during the pandemic.
• National award in 2023 for Best Livelihood Initiative (DOST-NCR).
Virlanie’s Community Program has become a model of long-term poverty prevention, blending education, livelihood, positive parenting, and grassroots leadership. Its measurable impact demonstrates that when families are empowered to become active agents of their own development, the cycle of poverty can be disrupted — not only for this generation, but for the next.
Virlanie’s programs provide vital support to children, young adults, and families through comprehensive services, including academic support, meals, and hygiene kits. As you look to the future, what is Virlanie’s single most critical area of focus or pressing challenge right now that you would prioritize addressing? And specifically, where would the initial allocation of these new funds be directed to make the most immediate and significant impact towards that core priority within your Residential, Street, or Community programs ?”
Virlanie is currently facing a financial crisis. The most pressing challenge lies within our residential programme, which provides safe homes for vulnerable children. Due to limited funding, we had to stop admissions last year, leaving many children without the care they desperately need. Initial donations will therefore be directed toward sustaining and strengthening this vital programme.
The three homes with the biggest needs are Jade, Aime and Masaya Home. The Jade and Aime Homes welcome children and young adults with disabilities. These young people require more extensive care and treatment, and costs are increasing as certain health conditions deteriorate due to their pathologies. A young adult from the Jade home has been bedridden for several months because she suffers from various pathologies, including severe scoliosis. On the other hand, Masaya home for smaller children now has only one major sponsor and is therefore also facing a budget deficit if we are not able to secure renewal of funding this year.
Our first objective is to fill the budget gaps for the year 2025 to best guarantee the education, support, and care provided to the beneficiaries of the residential program. Secondly, the goal is to be able to accept new children, as the need remains significant, and not all homes are fully occupied. Finally, the longer-term goal is to determine the need to open new homes to strengthen our impact and support more children in need. Ten years ago, Virlanie had up to 10 homes open in Makati.
Virlanie’s work is a powerful reminder that real change happens when communities come together to support those most in need. While the challenges are significant, the partnership between Fondation de France Asia and Virlanie stands as a beacon of resilience and hope. With strengthened support, the residential programme can not only continue providing essential care for children and young adults, but also begin welcoming new beneficiaries once again. Every contribution helps move closer to a future where safe homes are expanded, opportunities are restored, and brighter paths are created for the most vulnerable.
To explore more about Virlanie Foundation’s work in supporting vulnerable children and strengthening communities across the Philippines, please visit their webpage: https://virlanie.org/.
By standing with Virlanie, you help provide safe homes, quality education, essential healthcare, and pathways to independence for children who need it most. Your support empowers them not only to survive but to thrive. Together, we can help children reclaim their right to health, education, and a hopeful tomorrow.
