Basic Education and Literacy

I have always believed that education is crucial for good life for all kids. It’s not only about the knowledge gained, but also about the way of life. Kids learn to interact with each other, deal with authority, while they learn to work and study to reach their goals.

I was growing in a communist world, and thus I know that it is not so easy to study if you have an empty stomach. There are so many kids around us that are malnourished and still wanting to go to school despite their hunger just so they can have a chance to a better future. Often times, it is really hard for their parents to cover for their food, 500 PHP per month per kid may be a lot of money for some families.

Since I joined RCM I was very much inspired by the generosity of my fellow Rotarians, especially the programs for the special kids. I was supporting some feeding programs in Eastern Europe and in Malawi in the past. Being inspired by the special kids programs, I started looking for a school that takes care of disabled kids. With the help of my girlfriend and members of my team in Home Credit, we found Padre Mariano Gomez school. When we visited the school, we saw how systematic and well organized the different special programs are. We learnt about their needs for support of special kids and malnourished children.

I have decided to start some support for their feeding program. Teachers selected 30 kids with nutrition issues and we are going to monitor their health improvements during this school year. The Program is under my name with a highlight that I am member of Rotary club of Manila. Together with my colleagues from management of Home Credit we are looking into other needs of the school with special focus on kids with special needs. We will get more involved but as of the meantime, we are not able to cover all needs of the special kids – they need hearing aids, computerized Braille typing machines and of course donations for their feeding program.

Should someone want to join me in supporting either feeding program or purchasing some aids for special kids, please let me know.