It was Dane Raymundo's fault.
She wanted a birthday party at Child
Haus and since she’s a friend and one of the co-founders of Special Achievers, an NGO we started for children with special needs, the NGO
helped.
We did what we’re good at- teaching the children. That was October 2014, Ricky Reyes, the founder of Child Haus saw what we’re doing and right there and then invited us to take care of a room in the new Child Haus Building Mr. Hans Sy is then constructing in Manila.
Ricky Reyes said most of the people who visit the kids give them toys and parties. We’re one of the very few who played with them and taught them.
So, we said yes- even if we really don’t know Ricky Reyes or Mr. Hans Sy. We said yes- even if we don’t even have a set program or funding.
In November 2015, when Child Haus moved in their new building we also moved in the play and learn room. We raised funds to equip the room and we also called for volunteers.
Since I’m the one nearest the facility of all the four co-founders of Special Achievers, I headed the mentorship program.
Truth be told, I was merely present Sunday after Sunday to witness the generosity of people.
One of the first ones who came to our aid was Rotaract United Nations. Initially, they would simply help out when they can. In July 2016, Rotaract President Jam Quilala partnered with us and started the literacy program and just like that we have regular volunteers for the whole year.
We did what we’re good at- teaching the children. That was October 2014, Ricky Reyes, the founder of Child Haus saw what we’re doing and right there and then invited us to take care of a room in the new Child Haus Building Mr. Hans Sy is then constructing in Manila.
Ricky Reyes said most of the people who visit the kids give them toys and parties. We’re one of the very few who played with them and taught them.
So, we said yes- even if we really don’t know Ricky Reyes or Mr. Hans Sy. We said yes- even if we don’t even have a set program or funding.
In November 2015, when Child Haus moved in their new building we also moved in the play and learn room. We raised funds to equip the room and we also called for volunteers.
Since I’m the one nearest the facility of all the four co-founders of Special Achievers, I headed the mentorship program.
Truth be told, I was merely present Sunday after Sunday to witness the generosity of people.
One of the first ones who came to our aid was Rotaract United Nations. Initially, they would simply help out when they can. In July 2016, Rotaract President Jam Quilala partnered with us and started the literacy program and just like that we have regular volunteers for the whole year.
This year’s President Josef Ordono
continued the literacy program and would also bring the kids out for field
trips.
Also, more people came in to help. Lei Mitchen Sta. Maria, started the STEM and yoga program for kids. And more recently, yoga for caregivers.
Australia New Zealand Bank (through the efforts of Annah Margarita Montesa) would send in their employees to volunteer once a month.
Asian Development Bank's Office of Risk Management gave funding for books, laptops & school supplies.
Brahma Kumaris Meditation provided psychosocial support to caregivers.
Moreover, over 200 individuals, 80% of which are strangers helped us teach children with cancer at Child Haus every Sunday for nearly two years.
All I really did was be there and witness the outpouring of love and support from kind-hearted souls.
Because of this, Special Achievers is now planning to duplicate the mentorship program in SPED elementary schools in the Philippines starting with San Jose SPED Elementary School in Rodriguez, Rizal.
Again, we’re starting with no funding but fiercer determination.
The two years at Child Haus taught me that there are so many souls who are willing to lend a hand if you give them an opportunity to. I know now that I simply have to be present and allow the kindness and generosity of people to propel the program forward.
P.S. Recently, I was given a TROPA (The Recognition for Outstanding Performance Award) by Rotary Club of Bagumbayan- Manila for heading Special Achievers' Mentorship Program at Child Haus. Though I'm truly grateful for the award, I cannot really claim it. Dana Salonga, Dane Raymundo and Pey Abdulwahid started the NGO with me and we're supported by an army of volunteers. I was not responsible. It was really the bayanihan spirit at work.
Also, more people came in to help. Lei Mitchen Sta. Maria, started the STEM and yoga program for kids. And more recently, yoga for caregivers.
Australia New Zealand Bank (through the efforts of Annah Margarita Montesa) would send in their employees to volunteer once a month.
Asian Development Bank's Office of Risk Management gave funding for books, laptops & school supplies.
Brahma Kumaris Meditation provided psychosocial support to caregivers.
Moreover, over 200 individuals, 80% of which are strangers helped us teach children with cancer at Child Haus every Sunday for nearly two years.
All I really did was be there and witness the outpouring of love and support from kind-hearted souls.
Because of this, Special Achievers is now planning to duplicate the mentorship program in SPED elementary schools in the Philippines starting with San Jose SPED Elementary School in Rodriguez, Rizal.
Again, we’re starting with no funding but fiercer determination.
The two years at Child Haus taught me that there are so many souls who are willing to lend a hand if you give them an opportunity to. I know now that I simply have to be present and allow the kindness and generosity of people to propel the program forward.
P.S. Recently, I was given a TROPA (The Recognition for Outstanding Performance Award) by Rotary Club of Bagumbayan- Manila for heading Special Achievers' Mentorship Program at Child Haus. Though I'm truly grateful for the award, I cannot really claim it. Dana Salonga, Dane Raymundo and Pey Abdulwahid started the NGO with me and we're supported by an army of volunteers. I was not responsible. It was really the bayanihan spirit at work.
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