It was our 11th year of giving the gift of education to children and the 3rd year of adopting Banawen Primary School in Banawen Zambales in the Philippines. This was June 18, 2017.
Out of all the communities that we helped Banawen was the one that most needed it. It was not a difficult choice to decide that it be a permanent school that we would adopt and create continuity. That we would create hope.
The Path
This was the first time that we would be using the mountain path instead of the usually dry river bed. It had been raining for the past 3 days and it would be dangerous to use that path. Little did we know that the mountain path was packed with peril.
We were lucky that this year we had more male volunteers. We usually had about 3-5 guys each year but a lot of the regular members were able to bring their husbands, boyfriends, and suitors. Talk about using the charms for more muscle power haha.
Armed with axes, chainsaws and a whole lot of grit we proceeded to chop away the fallen trees and remove the debris. The final obstacle was the huge tree hanging midway. Using our weight we managed to dislodged it and roll it off the side. Save for a few hands that got some minor cuts and splinters no other injuries or accidents happened.
Everyone was tired, injured, thirsty and in a foul mood. Sitting in a truck loaded with school supplies, food and, medicine was not the most comfortable way to travel. Legs cramping in what a usual 2-hour journey it almost doubled because of all the trees. I experienced multiple times getting hit in the face and back by tree branches. We were covered with scratches and bug bites.
People were grumbling and saying this was the last year that they would be joining. Frankly, I had the same sentiment. Bruised, battered, dehydrated and itchy was not the best feeling in the world.
The Unpacking
We arrived at the foot of the hill and here we have more lifting to do. I wanted to shirk away and use my back as an excuse but things get done faster when everyone pitches in.
The Climb
All the boxes and food stuff are being carried by the members. We are not a big organization that can pay people to run errands for us. We have volunteers that painstakingly do the work without expecting any reward. Each one helps out to the best of their abilities.
We are a boots on the ground type of organization that is physically and emotionally there in the communities. We establish ties and continuety. Each step is hard, the path rocky and slippery but we persevere.
The Most Memorable Instance
After all the grumbling, swearing and sullen mood of the group. We finally reached the settlement. This place high in the mountains, surrounded by arid and untillable soil and dense forest. We met our adopted Aeta community.When you see the children smile. It just melts away all the pain, the doubts if we would be back and the pessimistic view of why we are subjecting ourselves to this.
Everything else seems trivial as you see their happy faces. We have been for the past three years. They have come to know that we bring hope When they open their bags and see their school supplies their faces just light up. When you see them holding that pencil in their tiny hand. Hands that signify changing their lives to be better.
Yet that was not it yet. The school had a bigger surprise for us. Due to the support that was given by Gift in Kind PH for the past 3 years they have for the first time six children graduated grade school and had gone to enroll in high school that year.
These six lovely children are embarking towards the journey not just to make their lives better but to be an example to others that it is possible. A lot of these kids are unsure of themselves and what they could do. Unlike a lot of people, they lack the self-esteem to be more because it has been ingrained in them that they are expected to live their life a certain way and they have always expected to be looked down on by other people.
I admit I cried here because the feeling is so overwhelming to see them attempt to change their destiny. Six kids doing their best To fight prejudice and ostracization. To study and improve their standing.
How could anyone not cry at such an inspiring scene! They did not even ask for anything because they want the focus to be on the kids. We have been giving them monthly help in terms of food and expenses. They have only asked for a budget of P2,000 or $40 a month for six kids and 1 adult that stays with them. We want to give more but we have to understand that not everyone can give on a monthly basis.
Seeing those six kids graduate and try their best is the most memorable moment we had in supporting Banawen Primary school. It is something that we will always cherish and remember whenever things get tough.
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