Saturday Remedial Class

We have started a new program which takes place in the Early learning Centre every Saturday morning. It is a support and treatment group for children who have ‘special needs’ and their families. The first meeting engaged 7 children (one was left at home because she was unwell) and there were 9 parents. This meeting will allow the parents of special children to share their joys and sorrows, to learn more about the different causes and treatments of some ‘disabilities’. The children, and their siblings who came with them, can have play time together. I have wanted to do this for some time as we arrange for these children to attend a Centre in Makati which is for children with Cerebral Palsy and other related difficulties to have physical and occupational therapy, on an ongoing basis.

Saving Scheme For Children

The other new program which Sr. Ann has started is a Savings Scheme for children. They have a card in which they can collect small coins and then have the amount entered into a savings books. It is a lot of hard work for someone who is already fully occupied, but to see the enthusiasm and excitement of the children is a tremendous reward. It is also a very good way to teach children the value of saving that will profit them in the future. This kind of a program will help to disperse the dependence on ’ usuary’ schemes e.g. the 5-6 where 500 hundred pesos borrowed must be paid back with 600 pesos.

Saturday Remedial Class

Sr. Ena is preparing for her Saturday ‘remedial’ class to have some of their needs met, e.g. school supplies and uniform. She is also getting good news that the number of her volunteer helpers will be increased with some Marist Brothers, who live in Marakina, a little way from us.

Youth Program

Sr. Alisi will also be starting up the Youth program which meets on Sundays.

Clinic Service

The clinic continues its good work with the sick and ailing. The staff have recently taken a course in First Aid. The TB program is still treating many family members. end of news.

In the Antoinette Early Learning Centre, our last field trip was to the zoo. This was regarded by all as a GREAT SUCCESS!!

The bus set out from the Malibay Plaza with 60 children and about 20 adults on board. A last minute inclusion was Philip who stood anxiously waiting outside the bus until I arrived to see if he could be found a place. Who could have refused this sick child who suffers from Nephrotic Syndrome and was enormously swolen with fluid on that day?

It is only a short way to Manila Zoo, and we were soon there; The children crowding in to visit the elephant which lives near the entrance. We all enjoyed looking at the tigers, ostriches, zebras, antelopes and etc. the hippo obligingly opened its big mouth to delight of the children who saw this, and they graphically told the others what they had seen opening their own mouths as wide as they could to describe their delight.

A wonderful playground completed the experience for the children.

The ‘moving up ceremony’ followed quickly on this experience, and this was in the Basket Ball Court with the attendance of parents friends and neighbours. Each child received a certificate and awards were given for those best in certain activities. This was followed by lunch and team games.

We are now engaged in a ‘summer school’ for a few weeks for some older children who are finding that learning can be a lot of fun!