Tanay, Rizal
A REPORT FROM ONE IN CHRIST MOVEMENT
On the third year of the Balik Eskwela Drive, we aim to surpass our previous record to distribute 1,000 school supply packs to less fortunate but very willing kids of our main outreach area in Sitio Gabihan, Tanay, Rizal.
The kids’ families belong to those who have been affected by Typhoon Ondoy. Despite this, the Sitio’s bayanihan inspired Gawad Kalinga volunteers who helped them rebuild their own houses. But livelihood is still a big question, much more their children’s education. Even if we, at the One In Christ Movement (OIC), are organizing regular Sunday classes, the children still need proper education at a proper institution. And even if there are public schools around, school supplies are big necessities for the students. The desire to aid these children to have a good and quality education, OIC launched this project.
Just like any other year, school supplies from friends, families, and ministry partners poured-in. However, what made this year extra special was the addition of CANVAS books for the children.
On the early morning of May 30, 2015, our team reached the site. To our amazement, the community’s function hall was filled to the rafters already. More than 900 children, ages between 7 to 12, were lining up, waiting for their gifts. Some parents were also around—even more excited than the children were.
It was such a feast. We started with prayers followed by a few song and dance numbers. We offered a soup kitchen before the school supplies distribution started. Kids grouped according to their grade level, but there are lots of younger ones who also wanted to be part of the activity. And that’s when we thought of the CANVAS books as perfect gifts to those little kids! We asked them to line-up for their own copies. Right after, an impromptu book reading happened led by one of our head pastors.
We were amazed with how the kids reacted upon
receipt of the books. One even said, “Sa wakas, makakabasa na din po ako ulit ng bagong libro!” He instantly dropped to an Indian seat and started turning the pages of “Ang Dyip ni Mang Tomas” – as if lunch did not matter anymore.
As the kids one-by-one dispersed to their own houses, we felt much happiness knowing that we were able to make their first days at school quite complete, as they are now armed not only with notepads and writing materials, but also with a book which they can use to practice reading and learn comprehension.
We went home that day with overflowing hearts. For our beneficiaries, what they received are already a big help in achieving their dreams, and with that, we want to express our deepest gratitude to all our project partners. The Lord has touched all your hearts to be a channel of blessing to those kids. We hope to continue working with you in our future endeavors.
