Child Friendly Activity and Feeding Program, A volunteer's reflection (by Anton)

The Child Friendly Activity and Feeding Program conducted by the SOCSARGEN PEACE NETWORK last October 30, 2011 at DXCP-CMN Compound, Lagao, General sSantos City served as an opportunity for us volunteers to expand our social circle and more importantly to help the less fortunate. It developed in us the sense of awareness to be of service to other people. It was an eye opener that changed our narrow, egoistic views to a broader, altruistic perception.

Over 50 school children from Dadiangas West Elementary School and Pedro Acharon Elementary School came over. The Barangay Dadiangas West took the responsibility of fetching the children to the venue.

The activity started with a prayer led by one of the chosen children. Meanwhile, other volunteers are busy preparing food for their breakfast.

The children were grouped together according to age. Ages 5 to 7 was handled by Anacelle Edulza, one of the volunteer teachers. Ages 8 to 12 was facilitated by Merajoy Tabal of NDDU Peace Partners. These two volunteers told stories to children about life, stories with moral lesson and health education. This activity is a good start to initiate health teaching on ways how to prevent spread of diseases to children while they are still young, ready to explore, learn, and practice.

The activity went fast paced as various parishioners gathered for a Sunday mass. After the mass, the feeding program happens. We had fed children who had participated the event and people who attended the mass as well. Some parishioners donated food items for the children.

After the feeding program, hand painting was preceded, imprinting children’s love, friendship, peace and hope which are represented by red, blue, yellow, and green paint respectively. Then, they were given school supplies for their school. After that, there were also bubble blowing represents the bubbles to our dreams to fly high that carries an amazing sense of liberty, weightlessness, and hope.

We are truly grateful for the opportunity of being a part of the said program. By God’s grace, KKC will continue its advocacy in reaching out and helping the community to become better and consequently it will be able to attract more volunteers and conduct more worthwhile activities in the future.

The activity was ended successfully with joy in every child’s face. We, the volunteers, are very happy knowing that everyone enjoyed the event. Though we were very tired with the event, we were fulfilled of joy and engulf of good service, and determined to serve those who are less fortunate.