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.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
12 comments:
belle photo et surtout superbe titre.
nice photograph of especially superb title.
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 !
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.
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 :)
What a beautiful group of young people all looking so happy! Thanks for sharing.
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.
This is a great shot. I love how the kids are posing for the camera as only kids can!
Looks like they had a good time! Love all the smiles.
The best reward for this work is the smile of a child.
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.
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.
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
Post a Comment