Thinking about all the hardships we have been through, from asking permission to the directress, fund raising, looking for facilitators, and many more, I can say it was really tough but all worth it.
On March 16, 2019, we, the Peer Facilitators’ Club together with the DomNet Youth Group— Sta. Rita held an outreach program at Camias Resettlement Elementary School at Camias, Porac, Pampanga with 30 participants.
The program started with an opening prayer led by Erica Serrano, former Peer Facilitators’ Club President. It was preceded by the welcoming remark that was delivered by Hannah Pineda, a member of the Peer Facilitators’ Club. Then, we played games such as balloon relay, Hep Hep, Hooray, and cookie monster to name a few.
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| Playing Hep Hep Hooray with joy. |
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| Trying his best to win the cookie monster. |
When they received candies as their prizes, I saw their genuine laughs and smiles. Those were so simple but seem so precious to them. I realized how small things could bring them joy. I also saw how generous they were to share with others, not only their candies but also their meals.
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| The joy in receiving a Jollibee meal. |
Out of curiosity, I asked the two kids at the back why they were not eating, “Bakit ali kayu mamangan?” They told me that they were going to share it with their family, “Biye ke kari ima ku ampong kapatad.”
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| The happiness in feeding a child. |
Because I wanted them to eat, I suggested that they eat either of the two and share the other one with their family, “Pwedi namang kanan ye ing metung tas ibiye ye ing metagan.” The girls just smiled at me and moved to a different place without opening her spaghetti and burger.
I went to them and handed Bingo (cookies), “Kung ali ka talaga bisa, kanan mu ne mu ini.” Still, they did not eat it and wished to share it with their family. I just learned from them the true meaning of selflessness. How can they still give to others when they do not have a lot?
After the meal, the prepared gifts were distributed. Then, with glee, the children sang a song they have practiced for us. The enthusiasm while singing can be seen in them and I also felt their appreciation.
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| The school supplies to be distributed to the kids. |
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| Female Peer Facilitators' Club Members with the Moderator and Former President |
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| The Grade 12 Peer Facilitators' Club Members with the kids |
Amidst walking on a steep road while the rain was pouring, I am glad I had this experience. It was heart fluttering seeing a smile on these kids’ faces. Candies, balloons, Jollibee meal, and gifts are so simple but these made them truly happy. It surely was tiresome, but just seeing the children’s happy faces, I forgot all the hardships. If I will be given a chance to do this again, I will surely do so.
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| A souvenir photo to remember this joyous day. |
This experience made me realize how lucky I am to not need to walk for a long time before I reach school. I am so grateful that I can eat my meal without having to think if my family have food to feed. I am blessed that I don'tive in the mountains far from civilization. I saw how privileged I am compared to this children. These kids opened my eyes to be more content and grateful for everything that I have. Thank you for all the lessons.
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