After Puypuy: Some notes on the recent back-to-school project

Very few people know that activities like this one usually leave me depressed rather than lighthearted or, as many would probably assume, fulfilled.

Because these events only confirm the fact that:

1. the supplies will only last a few weeks, or months
2. there is more substantial work to be done
3. these children need a lot more than a few pencils
4. we are only scratching the surface of a deeper, more basic issue

That is why I make it a point, at every community I visit, to really talk to people. And I encourage all volunteers to do the same. Get into conversations with the mothers, the children, and really find out what the needs are. And if, as a blessing, we or any of our contacts and friends have the capability to address those needs, then there lies your next project.

In Puypuy, I was able to talk to the school principal who told me that the school has many students who would usually come to class hungry and feeling faint. "How could you learn the lessons in the classroom if your stomach is empty?" she said. Very similar to Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal, where Isang Bata has launched a breakfast program in 2009, I believe this scenario is common to hundreds (thousands?) of urban poor barangays/public schools all over the Philippines.

Barangays and daycare centers conduct feeding programs, but according to the Puypuy principal, this doesn't happen every day. The children, however, need to eat every day and I think that if YOU can share a meal with a child at least once every week, it will make a big difference.

Encourage restaurant owners (hotel, resort, club owners, too, and their associations if any) to send excess food (good, safe and healthy food) to public schools or the local barangay once or twice a week. If you have safe and healthy food at home to share, do this in your own community.

Remember that little acts, when done collectively, will go a long way. If we'll think we can't make a difference because we are small or poor or busy, who will?

Let's do small things together, yes?

= = =

Volunteer organizations and individuals also need to be aware that it is always important to emphasize that whenever we give donations to people, it comes with a certain amount of responsibility. The last thing we want is to be an organization or individuals who blindly give dole-outs. If there are ways to empower the communities and teach them to be responsible for themselves WHILE we help them, I think that would be the best kind of assistance we can give.

Thinking about these things only make me realize the immense work, and responsible sharing that need to be carried out, carefully and slowly and consistently.

Just sharing my two cents. I would love to read your comments.