I kept thinking that I need to continue writing my blog about my visit to the Philippines, Singapore, and Hong Kong but life and work get in the way --- Arrrggg.. so here is another attempt- With the recent typhoons that hit the Philippines, school children there have been in my mind lately.
One of the highlights of the trip to Asia, was a visit to the elementary school that Mattos School sent school supplies and literature books as part of our Service Learning project. The children at Mattos learned a little bit about the Philippines as the project implies.
August 7 - Visit to Samboan Central School, the elementary school here which Mattos Elementary adopted for our service learning project a couple of years back.
When I arrived in Cebu, the Philippines was mourning the death of Corazon Aguino, celebrating her life, and everyone was off work and schools were closed to comemorate the event. (Is that a right term to use?)
So I waited until Friday, August 7th to deliver three boxes of school supplies, books, etc. that I had mailed in June... donations to Samboan Central School. In June, Larry Olson and Paula Tressell, Mattos School first grade teachers donated numerous literature books that they no longer use. I sent the boxes via LBC freight hoping they will arrive before my arrival for my Philippine visit and hoping that I'd be able to personally deliver them to the school we adopted some years back.
Back when we started this service learning project, Mattos students voted that we send school supplies to Samboan Central School as our service learning project. The school is in dire need of supplies, or any help anyone can extend.
Friday morning, I hired someone to deliver the heavy boxes to the school. The children and teachers were excited to see the boxes or pencils, papers, books, etc. Faces and smiles all around. One can really feel the warmth and sincerity of the welcome and gratitude we received…
(One of the teachers getting the children together for a Thank You, Mattos photo.)
I visited some classrooms.
39 kindergarten students crammed into a small classroom. I am not complaining about my work conditions any more.... although I miss the classroom of 20! :)
There must have been a scouts meeting that day as I spotted this group and asked them to pose for me. :)
My wish is to someday bring a group of teachers to this area and see for themselves how needy some students in these parts of the world are. Yet, their faces reflect happiness and joy for every little thing we donate.
Maybe Greg and MorningStar will go back with me next time. :)
