1. What does your nonprofit do? Who do you help?  

Kythe is a non-stock, non-profit organization which supports the Child Life Program in 11 hospitals nationwide. The word Kythe (pronounced kayth) is derived from a Scottish word which means healing through simple sharing and togetherness. The organization is the pioneer in setting-up and implementing the Child Life Program in the Philippines. The goal of the Child Life Program is to help the pediatric patient and the family cope with anxieities in the health-care setting. The Child Life Program provides the following core services; Preparation for medical procedures using age-appropriate language and materials, Education about the illness, Therapuetic play at the bed-side and playroom, Assistance during medical procedures, Lend emotional support to parents and siblings and Spiritual care and support especially for end of life issues.

2. What are a few of the positive changes you’ve helped create in the Philippines? How do you know you’re making a difference?  

Kythe is the pioneer in implementing the Child Life Program in government hospitals. The organization has existed for the past 19 years. We have created a positive change in the delivery of public health service by helping the medical community provide a holistic and multidisciplinary treatment to patients and their families. Kythe has a provided our affiliate hospitals an enabling environment where patients do not only have the chance to heal, but have opportunities to play, learn and grow.  

3. Will a One Hundred Peso donation make a difference in your work? How? What is the easiest way to donate to your organization? Are there other ways for people to be involved in your work?  

We have a campaign called One Hundred Peso Miracles. We encourage our volunteers and sponsors to donate at least P100.00 a month. We hope to target at least 1,000 Miracle Workers. If these 1,000 Miracle Workers are able to donate P100 a month that translates to 1.2 million pesos a year and with this amount Kythe will be able to 1) provide medicines for the pediatric cancer patients 2) offer continuing education opportunities  and personal growth seminars for the medical team 3) support the Child Life Program 4) provide minor medical equipments i.e wheel chair, nebulizer, etc  needed to treat the patients in the ward.     Ways to donate to Kythe 1) For our Kythe-bigans residing outside the Philippines- transfer money using the xoom facility found in our website 2) For Kythe-bigans residing in the Philippines- deposit to any BPI Family Bank CA 6031-0529-02 and email deposit slip to kytheinc@yahoo.com.  

Ways to get involved in Kythe; 1) Integrated Reading Program. Volunteer brings childrens book written by a local author and art material.  The volunteer could read to the children and conduct structured activites based on the theme, value or characters of the book.  2) Out-of-hospital trips- Many of patients have stopped schooling so they do not have the opportunity to see the Ocean park, Museums, etc. 3) Donate to the P100 Miracle campaign 4) Contribute to our Chemotherapy Fund 5) Adopt a Kythe-affiliate hospital

4. How can people get in touch with your organization?  

Please call us at 376-3454 or 0918-9072094; send an email to kytheinc@yahoo.com; send a message thru the Kythe Facebook page or www.kythe.org.

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JAVC Note: Kythe is a PCNC-certified organization in the Philippines - which basically means that they have undergone a rigorous evaluation process for their projects and programs, including financial accountability. Having PCNC-certification in the Philippines is basically a seal of good housekeeping for nonprofits in the country. For more information on this certification, you may visit the PCNC website.