“It’s like a domino effect, you push one tile and everything else falls, one after the other.” This is how James puts into words the little act of kindness he and his friends are doing.
At 13, James and his schoolmates at the Muntinlupa Science High School are sending four poor children to school— this is their simple contribution they so hope would send ripples of change in society.
“When these children we are helping goes out and helps someone else and then that person helps another… and another—the cycle goes on,” he enthuses.
The sponsoring class from the Muntinlupa high school proudly raise their banner of sponsorship.
The challenge of helping a poor child began when their Social Studies teacher Ms. Celine Calado discussed a book entitled 12 Little Things Every Filipino can do for the Country. Among the 12 simple acts mentioned in the book, one stood out: “Adopt a poor child or adopt a scholar.” This idea sent waves of excitement among high school students.
“To send a poor kid to school would be the biggest achievement to us as students,” shares Kasandra, 14.
To put the challenge into action, the students signed up for World Vision’s Child Sponsorship program. World Vision is a child-focused organization that advocates children’s holistic development through education, healthcare and values formation.
The Child Sponsorship program allowed the students to be linked directly to a specific child whom they will be supporting. For only P600 a month their sponsored child is now attending school, receiving healthcare and learning good values. As soon as they signed up for World Vision’s program, the Muntinlupa Science High students were given picture folders with the photos and basic information of the children they support— they got four children from a small village in Palawan.
“It feels really good to be able to help someone and to be a part of a child’s life and who he becomes in the future,” expresses Angeline, 13.
“I can imagine the feeling of finding out someday that the child I helped lived a good life,” adds Bernadette, 14.
Students proudly pose for the camera with World Vision materials.
Though they never actually met the kids from Palawan, holding on to each one’s picture folder made their commitment more concrete and personal.
Since it was their own personal desire to support a child, the students decided the money had to come from their hard work and not their allowance-- and so their fund raising ideas began.
One class rented out books and did chores to earn money. Others sold ice candy, chocolates, and offered tutorial and cleaning services around school to raise funds.
“I am very proud of my students! I always tell them not to wait for what others can do for them, but to be open and ready to extend a hand to anyone in need,” expresses teacher Celine.
While they continue to send financial assistance to their sponsored child, their prayers and wishes go out to each one of them as well.
“I pray that you would do well in school. Education is not all about knowing how to read and write, but it is learning how to be a responsible person willing to share what you know to others,” shares, James.
“Study hard and never let poverty get in the way of achieving your dreams!” encourages Angeline.
“Not many Filipino children are given the opportunity to study, and if we believe that we are the hope of the nation then we should begin helping other kids learn in school, too” shares Mark, 14.
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