Philippines: Khyles use for the environment and children's rights
In December 2022, extreme rainfall triggered a catastrophe on Mindanao, Khyle's home island. A flash flood swept away houses and trees. A relative lost his life. Several classmates had to leave school because their belongings were washed away.
By that time, the now 20-year-old had long since begun taking action against climate change. Through the Terre des Hommes partner organization “Gitib” and his organization “Youth for Climate Justice,” he plants trees, campaigns against deforestation, and calls on politicians to take action.
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Khyle's activism as a children's rights advocate initially began differently: “I'm a feminist! In the Philippines, patriarchy is still widespread. Girls, they say, can only do girls' things. And nothing more.” For Khyle, it was clear from an early age: He has a responsibility to stand up for gender equality.
Khyle began organizing campaigns to educate children and teenagers about the widespread problem of unwanted pregnancies. It's a taboo subject for many adults, but young people like Khyle can address it on their level. Over time, the fight against child marriage also became a focus for him. Despite a legal ban, many girls, especially in poorer regions, are still forced into marriage at a very young age
"Even today, there are many people without privileges who are suffering massively from climate change."
“With environmental protection, with feminism… the pattern is always the same: those who already lack privileges and have less access to education suffer the most – people in less wealthy countries, especially children, and particularly girls. And this is despite the fact that we know what needs to be done. We can improve the situation. It’s high time to act!”