Teaching other children moral values has been the highlight of Rayland’s summer. Having this responsibility has likewise helped him to mature, something his parents appreciate greatly.

Fifteen-year-old Rayland says that teaching fellow children has been a life-changing experience he will treasure. He is one of the 21 peer teachers who were trained to tutor their peers in values formation. For 21 Days, Rayland and his companions were immersed in three different World Vision communities. In each community, they stayed with a foster family for a week. “My experience made me responsible taking care of myself, being away from my family, and how to act responsibly around my students,” says Rayland. 

^{Rayland (in jersey) with her fellow Vacation Bible school teachers evaluate their activity in an amazing beach sunset as backdrop.}

Rayland is well loved in the communities where he taught because he is good natured and skilled in smooth interpersonal communication. And, he is flexible and can easily adapt to different kinds of people, especially to his students. One particular student he particularly invested effort into connecting with was Leomar, who is mute. 

Rayland was at first deeply challenged when it came to communicating with 15-year-old Leomar. “I befriended him, and then he taught me sign language,” says Rayland. 

Just when Rayland and Leomar had built a good friendship, it came time for Rayland and his fellow teachers to leave that community for their graduation ceremony. Right after the ceremony, Leomar approached Rayland and said “salamat” (thank you) in sign. “I was so happy when he thanked me in sign. It was a priceless gift,” Rayland recalls. 

Rayland felt so grateful that his hard work was appreciated. “I feel so happy that I have shared something with my fellow children. I hope my parents will appreciate [this] and will be proud of me,” he says. 

If Reyland is happy, his parents claim they are happier. She and Reyland’s father, Eugene, are glad for these noticeable changes in their eldest son. They noted that Rayland used to be an irresponsible child that never valued his family, especially his younger siblings. “Now, he has been a very good son and a protective and caring elder brother to his siblings. He even leads prayer before every meal and does household chores [first] before playing basketball,” says Jennifer, 36. 

^{Standing proud. “We are very blessed and glad that our son, Rayland, has changed. We have always prayed for him to be a good son and sibling. Now, God granted our prayer,” says his mother Jennifer.} 

“I never regret allowing my son to participate in World Vision’s activities. I have so much confidence in World Vision. I know that they will take care of my son because I know World Vision prioritizes the safety and protection of children,” his mother adds. Rayland’s parents also noted that he has gained greater self-confidence through the experience. 

“If there are other activities like this, I would be very much available. Being actively involved in World Vision makes me become a good child because I learn about and become closer to God,” says Rayland.