June 21, 2010: Long time friend Imelda Morales, founder of a charity movement called Isang Bata, inspired us to join her project to raise school supplies for public school children outside Metro Manila. Since we are based in Puypuy, Bay, Laguna we recommended that we do this fund raiser for the students of Puypuy Elementary School. After consulting school Principal Francisca Ramos, and assessing the needs of her students, we started gathering donations, targeting 60 incoming Grade 1 students. Our goal was simple, to give the Grade 1 kids a positive experience about their first days in school, and hopefully motivate them to stay in school.
So on the day of the turnover, we had:
- A storytelling activity by Lalaine Aquino, President of Kutinge. Lalaine took an interactive approach storytelling, engaging the kids with questions, and encouraging them to share their thougts and feelings. She enthralled the kids with two stories from award winning books written by members of Kuting.
- A magic show by Isang Bata volunteer Ton Delgado. Ton mesmerized the kids with his well executed magic tricks. It was a joy to hear oohs and aahs from the young audience.
- Parlor Games facilitated by our Forest Club game marshals. It was particularly significant that the marshals who conducted these games were once students of this same school.
Finally, we ended the morning activities with lunch for all the kids who participated.
Our heart felt thanks for allowing us to participate in this heartwarming endeavor. Special thanks to all parties who have made this possible, including:
- Mrs. Francisca Ramos and the Puypuy Elementary School
- Isang Bata volunteers
- Forest Club staff
- The Vespa Club of the Philipines
- The countless other donors who supported this project
At the end of the distribution, there were 2 bags of school supplies and other school related goodies distributed to 48 Grade 1 students. 6 students were absent, so we left 6 sets of bags with Mrs. Ramos to give to the children who aere absent.
For the remaining bags, we agreed for Mrs. Ramos to identify the most needed Grade 2 kids and for us to give the extra bags of schools supplies to those children.
We are grateful that so many shared their blessing and gave generously to this project. On behalf of the children of Puypuy Elementary School, thank you so much.
God bless us all.
10:00am
* Opening remarks from the Principal of Puypuy Elementary School
10:05am
* Short message from Forest Club
* Acknowledgment of various groups who supported this project
10:10am
* Short message from Isang Bata
10:15am
* Storytelling (one school-related story for the children)
10:45am
* Game (i think it would be nice to play one game and give away prizes)
11:15am
* Distribution of school supplies
11:45am
* Closing remarks from any of the three (puypuy elem, isang bata or forest club)
* Group photo
12:00
* Lunch c/o Forest Club
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dino, kay robbi ang pics :) thank you for supporting this project, dins. thank you robbi (and wawel, ruben, karen, forest club staff) for the partnership and the generosity. 