Through a Centennial Grant from Rotary Balwyn, and with the assistance of Rotary Essendon and Rotary Leeton Central, a haven for child survivors of abuse and violence has been created in the Philippines. The Tala Camp and Eco-Retreat is expected to benefit at least 500 children every year and will provide a safe place for children and young people to heal, recover, and learn to dream again. Tala means star in the local language. 
Project Rainbow, implemented by local children’s rights organization Bahay Tuluyan, has converted a simple farmhouse into a beautiful camp and retreat venue for children and youth in the Philippines. Located in the picturesque area of Lipa, Batangas, the retreat venue is surrounded by coconut and coffee trees providing a serene natural environment for healing. The house and farmland were donated to Bahay Tuluyan by a local man who had himself survived and overcome childhood trauma. After spending much of his childhood in an institution, he went on to become very successful; building the house as his family’s vacation home. Following his retirement, he decided to ‘pay it forward’ by donating the house and land to an organization who could in turn, ‘pay it forward’.
With the support of the Grant, and some additional funding, Bahay Tuluyan has upgraded the facilities so that up to 25 people can be accommodated with fully equipped bedrooms, bathrooms and meeting spaces. The unused roof has been converted into a large function room with kitchen and dining facilities.
Living up to its name, Project Rainbow aims to renew hope in children who have survived all forms of abuse, violence, neglect and exploitation. . Bahay Tuluyan has been providing programs and services for such children and young people in the Philippines since 1987. In some cases these children need to be removed from their homes and be sheltered by the organization. Part of the care include camps and retreats where children are supported to reflect, process and rejuvenate; helping them on their journey towards wellbeing. Once the building is officially opened in January 2024, Tala Camp & Eco-Retreat will also be used for training programs, family camps and special activities
The Tala Camp & Eco-Retreat is a part of Bahay Tuluyan Nature Farms, a social enterprise and youth training program that grows organic food using sustainable agriculture. The Rotary Club of Essendon has sponsored the installation of six bee hives at the site. Other produce includes coconuts, a variety of local fruits, native chickens, pepper and coffee. Income produced from the sale of this produce will help to ensure that the impact of Project Rainbow, and Tala Camp & Eco-Retreat, can be sustained long into the future.
