Transforming Learning Through Rap: BBDO Guerrero and Childhope Philippines Unveil Engaging ‘Singing Lessons’ for Street Youth

Childhope Philippines is a charity that aims to uphold and protect children’s rights. To help out-of-school youth gain access to quality education, Childhope has come up with “KalyEskwela” or the “School on the Streets” initiative, a program that utilizes a mobile van equipped with audio-visual resources to deliver alternative educational sessions sanctioned by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

BBDO Guerrero Philippines, a two-decade creative partner of Childhope, collaborated with Childhope’s instructors, musicians, and producers to introduce “Singing Lessons.” These rhythm-infused rap songs serve as engaging educational tools, allowing these out-of-school youths to retain their learnings more efficiently. Partnering with Hit Productions, BBDO Guerrero created tracks covering Basic English, Multiplication, and Gender Sensitivity, rolled out across various locations under the KalyEskwela program last year.

This 2024, with the help of songwriter Migs Saludes, Childhope expanded its library of songs in the program. The first single called “Bayani” (Heroes) delves into the introduction and history of the Philippines’ National Heroes. The second track, ‘Karapatan’ (Rights), educates the children about their fundamental rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Saludes said: “I had a great time collaborating with BBDO Guerrero. Writing music with the purpose of education; it’s a refreshing experience. Coming from a place where I’ve seen how important knowledge and learning is, I think that Childhope is taking a huge step towards that.”

Mylene Lagman, Resource Mobilization Unit and Communications Manager at Childhope Philippines, said: “For these kids, the streets serve as their classroom, which is far from conducive to learning. But with ‘Singing Lessons’, we’re able to capture their attention, making the learning process enjoyable and effective.”

Caleb Casico, Creative Director at BBDO Guerrero, said: “It’s always great to see work that makes a difference in the lives of people that need it the most. We’ve put in a lot of time and effort to make sure these kids get the education they deserve.”

Stephan Domingo, Creative Director at BBDO Guerrero, added: “It’s incredibly heartwarming to see kids dancing and singing along while having their lessons. We also want to thank Migs Saludes for lending his talents to help these children learn better.”

BBDO Guerrero and Childhope are currently in the works of collaborating with more artists to develop an even more comprehensive curriculum for street education.