✳Built on love. Supported by people like you.
BARAS, PHILIPPINES · SINCE 1992
One promise can change generations. Discover how the dream of Arlene, Herke and Mother Aurora became a reality in Baras.
As a schoolgirl, Arlene Santiago saw children living on the streets. She could not forget them. Her mother Aurora encouraged her to build her own future, then help the children who had stayed in her heart.
In the Netherlands, Herke Smidstra had a similar dream. When Arlene and Herke met, their shared vision grew into a real plan.
Not an overnight success. A story of commitment and people who kept showing up.
Arlene sees children living on the streets and decides to help one day.
Mother Aurora offers land in Baras. The first fruit trees are planted.
The dream becomes a home for children in need of care.
Supported housing offers older teenagers more time to prepare for life on their own.
A bed of your own, shared meals, a school day and someone who asks how you are. Ordinary things become extraordinary when they have been missing.
Children receive support suited to their circumstances. When possible, reunification with family is the aim. Older young people can receive guidance towards independent living.
We believe that good care, education, sport and learning moral values give children the direction and confidence they need to succeed in life.
We want to be a professional institution caring for children in need. We give them a warm home where they feel welcome, and encourage their growth with good education and suitable programmes.
Bahay Aurora has a team of highly motivated staff: house parents, a social worker, teachers, cooks and maintenance staff. Some have worked there since the very beginning. That stability makes Bahay Aurora a real family, which is good for the children.
