CCP Batang Sining: Empowering Tondo youth through art and culture

From November 12 to 14, 2025, the Zonta Club of Manila Foundation Inc., Philippines, through its Tondo Kiddie Class, partnered with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to implement CCP Batang Sining: Music, Storytelling, Dance, Theater and Visual Arts Workshop at the Tondo Kiddie Class Center in Tondo, Manila.

The three-day workshop brought together 47 students from the local community for an enriching art education experience led by professional facilitators and resource persons. Through engaging sessions in music, storytelling, dance, theater and visual arts, participants were encouraged to explore their creativity, express themselves confidently and develop a deeper appreciation for culture and the arts.

The activity formed part of a broader initiative supported by the Korea Arts & Culture Education Service (KACES), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the CCP, which aims to make arts and culture education more accessible to underserved communities. By bringing quality arts programs directly to children in Tondo, the project opened opportunities that many participants would not otherwise have access to.

For the Zonta club, this initiative reflects its continuing commitment to creating opportunities that help young people, particularly girls, discover their potential and build confidence. The arts provide more than creative expression. They help nurture self-esteem, communication skills, critical thinking and leadership qualities that empower children to become active and confident members of their communities.

The success of the program was made possible through strong collaboration among educational and cultural institutions, community partners, facilitators, and volunteers who shared a common goal of making learning meaningful and accessible. The workshop provided a safe and inspiring environment where children could learn, create, and connect with others while developing valuable life skills.

Beyond the classroom, the impact of the program extended to the wider community by promoting cultural awareness, encouraging positive youth engagement, and demonstrating the value of arts education as a tool for social development. It also strengthened Zonta's visibility as an organization that actively invests in the growth and well-being of children and families through service and advocacy.

One student shared, “I learned that I can express my ideas and feelings through art. It made me more confident.” Another participant remarked, “The activities were fun and helped us work together. I want to join more programs like this.” A community volunteer added, “Programs like this give our children opportunities to learn, dream and discover their potential.”

Through CCP Batang Sining, the Zonta Club of Manila Foundation helped create a meaningful space where creativity, learning, and empowerment came together, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of young people in Tondo and reinforcing the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.