The Community of Hope Special Education Centre in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, is a religious and charitable organization run by the Columban Sisters. It provides essential services to children and young people with disabilities from the city and nearby towns. Through its work, the love of God becomes a reality, made visible through the transformation of lives.
The Centre currently supports 125 children and young adults with various disabilities. They receive physiotherapy, rehabilitation services, and training that promotes self-reliance.
One of the young people at the Centre is Leslie, who has autism, an intellectual disability, and a potassium deficiency. Although she eats bananas and gets regular sunlight, she now depends on medication provided by the Centre to strengthen her muscles so she can stand and walk.
Leslie was only 10 years old when she was referred to the Centre by her school principal. She was defiant and uncooperative, largely because she hated school. She was often bullied for being different, both at school and in her community.
Her mother was determined to give her daughter an education and a better future. Despite being ill herself, she worked hard selling cakes to supplement her husband’s small income. He was an alcoholic and didn’t have regular work. Eventually, he died of depression. Her mother passed away when Leslie was just 13. She was the youngest of four siblings.
After losing both parents, Leslie suffered greatly. She was passed from one relative to another. For a time, she stayed with her married sister, but with three children and financial difficulties, it wasn’t sustainable. Leslie’s behaviour deteriorated once again.
Then, in an act of mercy, her paternal aunt stepped forward and took Leslie in. She became Leslie’s legal guardian, and with her support, the Centre began Leslie’s rehabilitation.
A social worker from the Community of Hope created a personalized rehabilitation plan. This includes pre-academic, one-on-one support, daily living skills training, and basic livelihood activities. These are practical and appropriate to Leslie’s needs. Most importantly, being part of a peer group has helped her develop social skills and self-confidence.
One of Leslie’s favourite activities is the annual Youth Summer Camp. It is a time of emotional and psychological safety for her and many others. During this event, young people from the community volunteer to accompany participants with disabilities. Each person is paired with a companion who offers friendship and encouragement. This experience makes participants feel loved and appreciated - an empowering moment for everyone involved.
Their smiles and simplicity reflect the compassionate love of God for all. As Sr. Cecilia puts it:
“Our call and challenge is to love them as they are and to act according to what is appropriate.”
Since its foundation, the Community of Hope has served over 1,000 children and young adults with conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down’s Syndrome, club foot, cleft palate, hearing impairment, and intellectual disabilities.
Through its comprehensive programs, some graduates have even secured employment in the local community. The Centre not only heals but restores dignity and purpose.
Sr. Sophia, who coordinates the livelihood training program, reflects:
“With faith and trust in God, we are very grateful that we are able to continue to offer these services. Thank you, God, for choosing and giving us the privilege to love, cherish, and journey with these youngsters. God is indeed good!”
The Community of Hope truly lives up to its name. It offers not just education and therapy but hope, love, and belonging to those who are often overlooked by society. Through the tireless efforts of the Columban Sisters and the support of the local community, children like Leslie are finding healing and building lives full of promise.
The Columban Sisters in the Philippines provided this article.
Related links
- Read more from the current Columban PEJ eBulletin.
