December 3, 2008

Everyone smiles in the same language

Meet some of the children during the Lights for Hope Christmas party. They are from the Leodegario Victorino Elementary School in Marikina City. As public elementary schools go, it's pretty well-off—the teacher-student ratio is about 1:44. I've heard of other public grade schools where the ratio is twice that! I think you may have guessed by now that our public school system is pretty bad, especially in the basic education levels. Meet Dave and Lari too. Dave Penny, the guy with the dimple on his chin, is with Up with People, an organization that started as a performing troupe in 1965 and now offers a six-month global education program which entails international travel, cultural immersion, leadership training and community service for young adults aged 18–29. Lari Sayo, the girl with the dimple on her cheek, is one of the organization's liaisons here in Metro Manila. A small group of the hundred participants were at the party, mingling with the kids and even joining some of the games. I don't know if the Up with People students are still here in Manila, but I hope they enjoyed their visit and learned much.

Up with People participants with children from the Leodegario Victorino Elementary School

12 comments:

  1. OlivierDecember 3, 2008 at 9:54 PM

    belle photo et surtout superbe titre.
    nice photograph of especially superb title.

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  2. melanieDecember 4, 2008 at 12:42 AM

    Bravo Hilda, pour ce qui est fait. Nous faisons la même chose en France. Mais je me pose toujours la question : pourquoi il y a des enfants toujours riches et des enfants toujours pauvres ? Pourquoi ce sont toujours les mêmes qui connaissent les petits salaires, les logements trop étroits, la nourriture quelconque et l'espoir étriqué ?

    En France la misère gagne du terrain. Et, en plus, notre gouvernement veut enfermer des enfants à 12 ans (et quelque fois plus jeunes), il arrête les enfants d'immigrés dans les écoles, il envoie des policiers avec des chiens dans les écoles, il développe la suspicion, la surveillance, tout en faisant de gros cadeaux à ceux qui sont riches. Moi je voudrais que vienne une révolution : y en a assez de cette société de fous !

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  3. Laurie AlleeDecember 4, 2008 at 1:23 AM

    Oh Hilda, this is such a happy, life-affirming photo. I love all those bright little faces! What a nice way to start my day.

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  4. UrselDecember 4, 2008 at 1:38 AM

    Hilda, it's great to learn about your office activities. I bet the children will not forget such an afternoon.
    Thanks for following my blog and to answer your question: They are real cats :)

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  5. SharonDecember 4, 2008 at 1:54 AM

    What a beautiful group of young people all looking so happy! Thanks for sharing.

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  6. UnknownDecember 4, 2008 at 3:00 AM

    I just love the title you've chosen to go with the post! Very good!

    I enjoyed your theme day photo as I think I've never seen Philippines coins before.

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  7. marleyDecember 4, 2008 at 5:58 AM

    This is a great shot. I love how the kids are posing for the camera as only kids can!

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  8. HalcyonDecember 4, 2008 at 11:13 AM

    Looks like they had a good time! Love all the smiles.

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  9. MurciaDailyPhotoDecember 4, 2008 at 5:24 PM

    The best reward for this work is the smile of a child.

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  10. angelaDecember 4, 2008 at 5:29 PM

    That is such a great title, Hilda and so true.

    I love the optimism of the smiles and your post about those who work hard to alleviate the misery but, still, you have to wonder what governments are doing when a ratio of 1 to 44 is considered acceptable in a school.

    You'd make a great ambassader for your country.

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  11. Debbie Courson SmithDecember 4, 2008 at 10:10 PM

    I believe we have Up with People here in the U.S., too. I knew some young people who toured with one of the troops years ago. How fun to feature real folks on your blog.

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  12. lunarossaDecember 5, 2008 at 6:23 AM

    What a bunch of lovely gorgeous kids! They lokk so happy! I wish they could always be this happy. I'm sure all this will make a different to them. Well done, everybody. Ciao. Antonella

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