Project Against Child Exploitation (ACE)

The Project Against Child Exploitation (ACE) is a collaborative effort designed to combat the most severe forms of child labor, including the online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC), in both the Philippines and Vietnam. ACE works to strengthen laws, expand support for victims, and build partnerships between governments, communities, and organizations.

Funded by the United States Department of Labor and launched in October 2019, ACE is currently being implemented in key cities such as Cagayan de Oro and Quezon City.

If you’re a parent, community leader, or social worker, ACE might be what you need to protect children in your area. Whether you’re worried about children being forced into labor due to poverty or vulnerable to online dangers, ACE offers a comprehensive, free program to help fight these challenges.

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Credits: PNA

How ACE Fights Child Exploitation

You may have felt helpless seeing children forced into labor or exposed to exploitation. ACE tackles these issues through three main areas:

  1. Strengthening Legal Support: ACE works closely with local governments to align laws with national policies, especially in child labor and online exploitation. This makes sure that rules are enforced and updated to protect children from new threats.
  2. Support Services for Victims: ACE offers direct help to children who have suffered from child labor or OSEC. This includes counseling and emotional support, which are key to helping them recover and rebuild their lives. Families also receive assistance in reintegrating into society and accessing education, providing a path to a better future.
  3. Building Strong Partnerships: By bringing together government agencies, NGOs, and community groups, ACE makes sure that no child slips through the cracks. This collective effort means more hands on deck, more eyes watching out, and more people working to protect children from exploitation.

If you’re a concerned parent or work in social services, ACE’s legal and social interventions can offer the support you’ve been looking for. And the best part? There’s no cost involved, as the project is fully funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Who Can Benefit from ACE?

ACE is designed to help communities and children who are most vulnerable. This includes children from poor families who may be pushed into work out of financial necessity, or those living in cities where migration puts them at risk.

Local governments, barangay officials, social workers, and educators can all take part in the project’s training programs. These sessions aim to build your capacity to recognize and address child labor issues, especially in cities like Quezon City and Cagayan de Oro. If you live or work in these areas, ACE provides you with the tools and knowledge to help protect children from exploitation.

For anyone already working in child protection programs, ACE offers added support and resources. By joining forces with the project, you strengthen your ability to keep children safe, apply the law, and provide care to victims.

Project ACE logo
Credits: Project ACE / Facebook

Tackling the Root Causes of Child Exploitation

Child exploitation is a complex problem, often stemming from various challenges. If you’ve felt frustrated watching children leave school early to work, or if you’ve noticed families struggling to make ends meet, ACE is here to address the deeper issues.

Some of the major factors contributing to child exploitation include:

  1. Poverty: Families facing financial struggles may feel forced to rely on their children’s income, which exposes them to labor exploitation or trafficking.
  2. Migration: When families move from rural to urban areas in search of better opportunities, they often find themselves in situations that make their children more vulnerable to exploitation.
  3. Lack of Access to Education: Without proper schooling, children can become trapped in a cycle of poverty and exploitation, with little hope of breaking free.

ACE works to tackle these underlying causes by offering educational opportunities, poverty reduction programs, and direct support to families. If you know of children or families in these situations, ACE could be a life-changing resource.

The DSWD’s Role in Supporting ACE

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) plays a key part in supporting projects like ACE. DSWD’s mandate includes delivering social welfare programs that benefit vulnerable children and their families. This includes providing protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration services, all aligned with ACE’s mission to safeguard children from exploitation.

If you’re familiar with DSWD services, you’ll recognize their efforts in helping children recover from trauma and reintegrate into society. By collaborating with ACE, DSWD helps extend the reach and effectiveness of these programs, making sure that children receive the care they need and that laws are properly enforced.

For social workers and government officials working with DSWD, ACE adds more tools and resources to your toolkit, allowing you to protect children even more effectively.

Impact of ACE in Key Cities

If you live or work in Cagayan de Oro or Quezon City, you’ve probably noticed growing concerns about child labor and online exploitation. These cities are at the center of ACE’s efforts, with projects tailored to their unique challenges.

  1. Cagayan de Oro City: ACE has partnered with local barangay officials, law enforcers, and the Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children (BCPCs) to strengthen their ability to prevent child labor. This city has also passed local laws to fight the worst forms of child labor and protect children in hazardous situations.
  2. Quezon City: In Quezon City, ACE has formalized partnerships with various government agencies to carry out programs that target child labor and online exploitation. If you work in local governance or community services, ACE’s presence in your area is a powerful tool to help protect children.

How You Can Get Involved

The fight against child exploitation is a shared responsibility. If you’ve ever wondered how you can help, ACE offers several ways to get involved:

  • Raise Awareness: Talk to your community about the dangers of child exploitation and how ACE is working to combat it. Awareness can prevent many cases of exploitation before they start.
  • Join Local Efforts: If you’re a parent, educator, or community leader, get involved in ACE programs in your area. Attend trainings, join community efforts, and work alongside barangay officials to protect children.
  • Support Victims: Offer a helping hand to children and families affected by exploitation. Whether it’s through volunteering, providing resources, or simply offering emotional support, your involvement can help them rebuild their lives.

Recent Updates

World Vision Honors Partners in the Fight Against Child Exploitation

World Vision’s Project Against Child Exploitation (ACE) recently held a special event to recognize the invaluable contributions of its partners in combating child exploitation and trafficking. The “Project ACE Stakeholders’ Close Out Validation and Sustainability Planning: A Tribute to Partners” event, held on August 9, served as a platform to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of individuals and organizations who have been instrumental in protecting children. The event highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing this complex issue and emphasized the need for continued partnerships to ensure the safety and well-being of children. The event also included discussions on sustainability planning, ensuring that the gains made in the fight against child exploitation are sustained and expanded in the future. World Vision’s commitment to working alongside partners underscores the collective responsibility to create a world where all children are safe and protected.

 
World Vision and DOLE: A Collaborative Effort to End Child Labor

World Vision’s Project Against Child Exploitation (ACE) has taken a significant step in its partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) by delivering Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials. The materials, which include roll-up banners, hand fans, and booklets, will be used to raise awareness about child labor and promote the National Council Against Child Labor (NCACL). The partnership between World Vision and DOLE has been instrumental in combating child labor, with both organizations working together to implement programs and initiatives aimed at protecting children’s rights. The collaboration has achieved notable milestones, including the production of IEC materials and the holding of national summits. The continued partnership between World Vision and DOLE demonstrates their shared commitment to creating a child labor-free Philippines.

 

Video: Project ACE Impact Stories 2020 -2024 🙌

 
The Project ACE Impact Stories 2020-2024 video showcases the remarkable achievements made in the fight against child labor. The project, a collaborative effort, has successfully implemented various programs and initiatives to protect children and ensure their right to education and a safe childhood. The video highlights the dedication and hard work of partners who have played a vital role in making this progress possible. While the fight against child labor continues, the project serves as a testament to the power of collective action and inspires continued commitment to safeguarding the well-being of children. The video is a powerful reminder that together, we can create a brighter future for all children.

Conclusion

The Project Against Child Exploitation (ACE) gives hope to families and communities by addressing both the causes and consequences of child labor and exploitation. With a focus on both prevention and recovery, ACE provides a clear path forward for protecting our children.

By getting involved—whether through local programs, spreading awareness, or supporting victims—you can be part of the solution. Together, we can create a future where children are free from the risks of exploitation and have the opportunities they deserve.

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