Turnover of School Supplies

June 21, 2010: Long time friendImelda Morales, founder of a charity movement called Isang Bata, inspired us tojoin her project to raise school supplies for public school children outsideMetro Manila. Since we are based in Puypuy, Bay, Laguna we recommended that wedo this fund raiser for the students of Puypuy Elementary School. After consulting school Principal Francisca Ramos, and assessing theneeds of her students, we started gathering donations, targeting 60 incomingGrade 1 students. Our goal was simple, to give the Grade 1 kids a positiveexperience about their first days in school, and hopefully motivate them tostay 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 withlunch for all the kids who participated.

Our heart felt thanks for allowing us toparticipate in this heartwarming endeavor. Special thanks to all parties whohave 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 bagsof school supplies and other school related goodies distributed to 48 Grade 1students. 6 students were absent, so we left 6 sets of bags with Mrs. Ramos togive to the children who aere absent.

For the remaining bags, we agreed for Mrs. Ramosto identify the most needed Grade 2 kids and for us to give the extra bags ofschools supplies to those children.

We are grateful that so many shared their blessingand gave generously to this project. On behalf of the children of Puypuy Elementary School, thank you so much.

God bless us all.

 By Wawel Mercado

 Note: To view more photos of the event, please visit our multiply site.