It’s been said time and time again that Christmas is a season of giving. With this in mind, we, the Gerry Roxas Leadership Awardees (GRLA) went out of our ways to be together with the street children of a barangay in Cubao, Quezon City. What we organized was a simple Christmas party full of games and gift-giving for these children. Our group leader reminded us not to be overwhelmed with the trials that these children face; that we were there not to offer a permanent solution to their problems but to give them joy even just for a day. And so off we went to cater to them.
The Street Children
Each one of us was assigned to take care of two kids. I was asked to spend the day with Jemar (12) and Haren (7). Jemar is currently in the fifth grade. He proudly told me that he’s been an honor student since he started school. In fact, he ranked first in his class during the previous quarter. Haren, on the other hand, is in his first year of grade school. Like Jemar, he is also a consistent honor student (suki ng honor roll, as he calls it). After hearing their introductions, I was elated and inspired. Poverty didn’t act as a hindrance for these two children to be achievers; instead, they treated it as a stepping stone for them to view their horizons. I, on the contrary, have taken financial matters for granted just because my parents can provide me with everything I need and almost everything I want. My respect for those who came from poor families yet ended up successful in life only grew stronger.
With My Fellow Camp Graduates/Participants (L-R): Rashanne, Morcy, and Che-che
Before the day ended, I gave them my unwrapped gifts — Ben 10 toy cars. When I was a child, I was fascinated with the elaborate designs of super cars (the ones you don’t see in real life). I considered this thought when I chose my gifts. Luckily, the three of us share the same sentiments when it comes to super cars. Though they said their thank-you’s, the glimmer in their eyes when they held the toy cars served the same purpose, if not better.
With the Kids
We had a post-event evaluation when we had returned to the hub. We congratulated one another and thanked God because the event we organized became fruitful and successful. We promised to do the outreach project again next year.
We Are Family
It’s been said time and time again that Christmas is a season of giving… So, why not make it a daily habit?
