Along with the program's coordinator, Bong Domingo, as well as the teachers and administrators of the different high schools, we oriented the students about the program, the allowances they would receive, the sponsors that generously gave them the support they needed, and the activities that we had lined up for them throughout the year. (Thanks to Ma'am Galindez and Ma'am Morada of RNHS, and Ma'am Ferriol and Ma'am Fegurasin of LNHS!)
- orientation at RNHS
At Romblon National High School (RNHS), the kids had prepared some presentations for us. One group sang a song, while another group recited a poem that they had written themselves. There was even supposed to be a dance number, but there was no music player (We'll save that one for next time).
- some of the kids reciting a poem they had written themselves
- some of the kids singing a song
One of the scholars, Norma Ferater (an incoming 4th year student who has been a scholar of the program since she was in 1st year), talked about how the program has helped her and her family through the years. She talked about how the program gave her hope that she could finish school. On behalf of the other students she asked me to let their sponsors know how grateful they were for the support they were receiving. It was a tearful and heartfelt speech, and many in the room were touched by what she said.
- Norma Ferater speaking on behalf of the scholars. She is the 8th of 10 children. Her father is a farmer, and her mother is a housekeeper. She wants to be a nurse someday. Somehow, we are helping her get closer to that dream!
Thanks to some generous people, we were also able to give each scholar a lunchbox, a water bottle, a bag, a ballpen, and a jumping rope each. We also provided merienda for them.
- hopefully having a lunchbox and a water bottle will reduce their food costs!
- the kids enjoying merienda and their gifts
I want to share with you the beautiful poem that some of the scholars wrote, dedicated to all the wonderful sponsors that support our program:
Salamat
Sa dinami-dami ng mga kabataang nagnanais makapag-aral;
Na naninindigang makaahon sa problema't kahirapan,
Taglay nilang pag-asa'y tanglaw sa landas na tinatahak;
Edukasyong sandigan sa kanilang mga pangarap.
Di man naming lubos maisip na kami'y kabilang sa mga kabataang iyong natulungan;
Ikaw na nagbigay buhay sa aming mga pangarap at kinabukasan
Mithiin naming makapagtapos ng pag-aaral;
Iyong pinatnubayan, ginabayan sa katotohanan.
Ano nga ba ang aming maisusukli sa iyong kabutihang taglay?
Tama nga ba ang sabihing salamat na walang katumbas sa aming buhay?
Buong pusong pasasalamat katumbas ng aming kaligayahang tunay;
Mananatili sa aming puso...
Salamat... Salamat...
I tried my best to translate this poem into English for the sponsors from abroad. I don't think I've done it justice, so if any of you can help me improve this, email me please! (trina.firmalo@gmail.com):
Giving Thanks
Of the many youth who wish to study;
Who are trying to rise up from their problems and their poverty,
The hope they bear is the light that shines on the path they are treading;
Education is what their dreams lean on.
We almost cannot believe that we are among the youth you have chosen to help;
You who have given life to our dreams and our tomorrow
Our fervent wish to finish our studies
You have watched over, guided to fruition.
What can we give in return for the kindness you have shown?
Is it right to say thanks without giving something more from our lives?
(We give you) Our whole-hearted thanks equivalent to a real happiness
That will remain in our hearts…
Thank you… Thank you…
Thanks again to all the generous sponsors! We'll try our best to make sure all 70 kids finish this school year!
~ Trina
- some of the kids at Libertad National High School
