Adopt-a-Kid @Lopez

Being an active member of the UPLB Ugnayan ng Pahinungod two years in a row, I always am ready to share what I have to offer. Having been immersed into some of its long-running programs such as Affirmative Action Program (AAP) and trainings, I always bear with me the attitude of a self-less volunteer equipped with the values of a public servant.

Indeed, this experience is no exception. It is one of those that are worth remembering, and cherishing as well

Given the fact that the finals week is fast approaching, stuffs like tons of papers to be submitted by the end of the week, fast-approaching exams and final requirements, video presentations and the like, have been problematic to our hectic schedules. I am not new in teaching youngsters- bubbly, naughty, and cute little kids, in which I really enjoy in the first place. Ever since I was little, I used to teach my siblings.

With complete honesty, I am not sure what to do when I first stepped on their classroom. Standing in front of them is just like anything else. With plenty of eyes watching, I forced myself to act firmly and bubbly, as well. These pupils are not easy to control given that, of course, some would play inside, some might be doing something else, and others, although were intently listening to my litany, are hardly heard when asked questions. So what I did is that I divided my group into the class. Now that they have their masters, as what they called us, there’s no more noise and everyone’s attention are to their masters whom I told to have a conversation with their students.

During this limited time, we were able to interact with the kids. Prior to talking with them face-to-face, we had a brief discussion with the class about the values they learn in the different stages and places of their lives. From how they should act whenever there’s a visitor in their house, to the way they make friends when they entered schooling. You can see in their eyes and wide smiles that they really enjoy sharing memories. The next meeting, we were able to present through creative visuals provided by one of our members, the different values and culture found and observed by the Filipinos and in the Philippines, in general. We have tackled the pervasive side of Filipinos and they, too, shared their experiences of the topic. It ended up by leaving homework on which country do you want to live, and why.

Our last day, was just another day. But this time, we travelled to the different parts of the globe- from the desserts of Africa and of the Middle East, to the jungles of Latin America, to the prehistoric sites in Europe, and the oriental landmarks of Asia. Discussing the many things that can be seen in these continents, we were able to show to them that indeed, Philippine culture and values are related and somehow connected with others.

The session ended up with a lot of pictures including this haggard look.

“Sweat may be as irritating as the hardships we have encountered, but there’s always been the promise of satisfaction in every finale.”