Eskwelang Kwela '07

This was a triumphant activity that ought to have a space here: As part of the collaborative campaign to ensure the smooth opening of classes for school year 2007 - 2008, The Rotaract Club of Sampiro conducted a project entitled Eskwelang Kwela: A Balik Eskwela Program for the Children of Barangay Ankileng, Sagada Mountain Province last May 18-20, 2007. The project aims to extend material assistance to those identified children willing to continue with their studies but lack of financial support. The club has been extending to the said barangay facilities and knowledge with regard to the fast changing era of computers. Our club was able to teach the people the basic use of computer during our first leg visit and donated computers for their actual application. Furthermore, they benefited clothes, books, maps, medicines and goodies courtesy of our generous sponsors on our second visit.

The said Balik Eskwela was part of our continuous community project in Sagada wherein mostly pre-schoolers became our beneficiaries. Ten (10) rotaractors took the grueling 14 hours trip to Sagada carrying seven boxes carefully packed loaded with school uniform for pre-schoolers, bags, school supplies, medicines, shampoo and biscuits. All these items were handed to the kids and made possible by our bighearted sponsors: The Rotary Club Makati- Poblacion, Jollibee Taguig- Pateros, Philippine National Red Cross Rizal – Chapter, Head and Shoulders, Powelink Inc., Ms. Aleki Roshane and the staff of Urban Development Department, City Government of Makati. The group enjoyed seeing the faces of the youngsters glowing with wonder and innocence. They remind us of how important it is to remain open to whatever adventures lie just around the bend.

With the success of this endeavor, the children of Sagada taught us a new way to understand the importance of giving. It motivated each one of us to keep coming back not only because we enjoy serving but also because we can learn from them; helping us grow into caring individuals who can change the future.

The kids of Ankileng Day Care Center showing their new school uniforms , some barangay officials and rotaractors handling the banner of RC Makati Poblacion – our mother club

A surprise gift for Ms. Carmen Lipato, lone teacher of Ankileng Day Care Center (clothes, bag loaded with school supplies and teaching materials)

The little choreographer teaching the rotaractors the sagada moves

Exploring the breathtaking Sumaging Cave

Got mud dirt while catching our breath but yea, we survived!

UPDATE: The Rotaract Club of Sampiro (11 rotaractors to be exact) will be leaving for Sagada tomorrow via Victory Liner(to Baguio) for our second Balik Eskwela Project 2008.. Yipee.. . Thanks to our generous supporters (i'll reveal them on my next blog). Can't wait to witness the children of Sagada have the first taste of the popular US doughnut brand which is now in the Philippines. Yea, you've read it right. Thanks Krispy Kreme - Ayala Avenue Branch (one of our sponsors). You have such a huge heart for the kids. For those who haven't shared anything for the kids, you can still do so by saying a simple prayer for our safe and sound journey.

Time to paint a smile. So kids..brace yourself coz we are coming over for your school presents and lots of goodies - a long fourteen hours rewarding trip.

Prayer granted - It isn't my last glance

In the recent Holy week, I was able to blog of my last glance of Sagada, which I reckoned. But now, I am happy to announce that I’m going back there for another outreach program. Yippe!. For all you know, I’ve been doing this with the full support of my co-rotaractors and generous sponsors since 2006 when I became the elected president of the Rotaract Club of Sampiro – younger Rotarians as they call us. Though my term is over, I still prop up my loyalty to our club as past president. It was awe-inspiring to know that the club to be headed by the elected president, Ms. Ma. Lourdes Bernadette Gonzales-Ostonal will be coming back there for another Balik Eskwela Project on May 24-25, 2008.

As of this moment, the group is in the process of gathering school supplies, books and other forms of donations to be given to the seventy (70) less fortunate kids of Barangay Ankileng in Sagada. Six (6) medical staff from Makati Medical Centerwill join the said outreach shelling out their own contributions as well. I can’t wait to see the children wearing their beaming smile as they patiently line-up to get their school presents. That unforgettable smile painted on their faces certainly the main reason that keeps the group from finding bighearted sponsors that will support our projects for the young ones.

The project is one week away. Albeit it’s another fourteen hours butt-aching trip but who cares? I would say that it’s another experience laudable to be remembered by; another absolute idyllic day for the seventy kids and a great chance for us, rotaractors to be the reason for them to smile again. The no-doubt smile that would bring each one of us the amazing feeling even a single penny can’t buy. Hay.. can’t wait to feel such experience all over again.
How about you? Do you want to paint a smile by sharing something for the kids? We’ll be delighted to see you being a part of our club - Rotaract Club of Sampiro. This coming August is our sponsorship month. Our incoming president, Ms. Ma. Cristina Espinueva (hahaha.. go..go.. Tin-Tin!) would be glad to welcome you guys as we altogether extend help to the needy ones in our own rotaract way.

Wear a smile and be the reason for others to smile. Click!.