Answer:
THE IMPACT OF KESZ & KIDSRIGHTS
Thousands of street children in Cavite City have received ‘Gifts of Hope’
More than 3300 street children are protected and empowered as changemakers
Each year, more than 150 street children are informed about health, hygiene and nutritionNews
Contact
EN
CHILDREN’S RIGHTS
WHAT WE DO
ABOUT KIDSRIGHTS
GET INVOLVED
Start a fundraiser
Make a purchase
Leave a donation in your will
Use our curriculum on school
DONATE
EN
NL – Nederlands
Search
DONATE
Home » Advocacy » Children's Peace Prize » Winners » 2012 – Kesz Valdez (13), Philippines

2012 – KESZ VALDEZ (13), PHILIPPINES
”Street children need to be healthy, to be able to make their dreams come true.”
THE IMPACT OF KESZ & KIDSRIGHTS
Thousands of street children in Cavite City have received ‘Gifts of Hope’
More than 3300 street children are protected and empowered as changemakers
Each year, more than 150 street children are informed about health, hygiene and nutrition
KESZ'S STORY

In the Philippines life was tough for Kesz and his family. When he was only 2 years old, Kesz was sent out by his abusive father to collect garbage to earn money. When he was 4 years old, he ran away from home and ended up on the streets. He tried to survive on the dumpsite by collecting garbage and did not have the opportunity to go to school.
One day, Kesz got seriously injured when he fell into a burning pile of garbage at the dumpsite. A social worker helped Kesz and took him to the hospital. From then on, the social worker took care of Kesz and became his legal guardian. For the first time in his life, Kesz had enough food and clothing, he went to school, and he felt safe.
Kesz: “Falling into the fire left me seriously injured…but it has also been my salvation. I used to know nothing; I thought it was perfectly normal to have festering wounds on your feet. I’ve learned a lot since moving here”.
