Children of Caohagan

Last Sunday, June 24 - i had the chance to experience first hand what it's like to do an outreach with practically a new team for me, the iLearners in a very far flung island in Cebu, the Caohagan Island. The experience was filled with excitement and unquenchable desire to help more.

I have been hearing a lot about iLearners since 2010 through facebook and as time went on, my interest to get involved with the group's advocacy grew in me. Yes, i've been through a lot of NGO's and charity works but mostly were in Metro Manila so the Cebu scope was entirely novel to me and considering the fact that as i get to know more about the founder and the members, i saw promise for the group. It took me a while to gather enough strength to boldly apply for membership since practically, i never get to know an iLearner first-hand, all my interactions are based on facebook where they have a sight. It's always a joy to be of help to young children and financially less-privileged families that i had no doubt about making the decision to make a commitment to the Cebu-based group, considering i'm based up north, in Metro Manila. I did finally file my membership early 2012 though i was able to render a little financial support for the Christmas Gift-Giving last December 2011. Since i became a member, i await for the chance to really get involved with the group but the opportunity seemed to be muted by distance and financial constraints aside from difficulty in acquiring a leave from work. Finally the chance to get involve in the June 24 Bright Future campaign in Caohagan came with a hundred percent probability of me going there. I booked an early morning flight to Cebu for June 23 with return flight on the evening of June 24. June 23 came and i was already excited for my Cebu trip since i'll be spending that first day with my high school classmates for island-hopping, and then the next day with iLearners.

Drake and other volunteers were already around SM V-Hire when i arrived the premises around 7:30am. Though i'm a bit tired from my activity the preceding day, i still managed to gobble up energy for this great opportunity to make a difference to the children of Caohagan. We have to travel to Maribago wharf, afterwhich we will take the boat ride going to Caohagan. It was a sunny morning that day, letting us travel with much ease and comfort over the blue waters of Cebu. I was seated beside the newly-installed school Principal of Caohagan Elementary School that time and was able to converse about their experiences as educators in the remote area. The teachers aboard the "banca" showed no restrain in going about their vocation as teachers even if they have to go through the ordeal of travelling 30 minutes from the mainland to the island. I marveled at their dedication and also envy their craft as i too wanted to be a teacher once.

The island of Caohagan boast of rich pristine waters and fine sands, along with a canopy of green trees that tourists and visitors could not help but be awed by its natural beauty. It was San Juan day that we were met with young men painted with charcoal around their faces and bodies. They were really eager to be of help to all of us upon arrival, assisting us in unloading the goods that we will be giving their younger siblings or their child perhaps. AS we arrive at the area, young smiling children were already in place, some along with their friends while others are with their elders. It was really a heartwarming scene that the children were painting that time with them as the subject. You can see with their eyes, the sincerity of their dedication in going to school. In their smile- you could see the joy that they're feeling in being able to go to school and help themselves and also honor their parents. They never seem to run out of energy throughout the period that we were there waiting for the gift that iLearners will be giving them.

While waiting for the moment, the group prepared games and activities which the children eagerly participated. There was much fun and vigor as the day rolled-on especially on this eager young lads. We, the volunteers also could not help touching the inner child within that's itching to come out during the games. Even the teachers and parents got involved and became stage-mothers during the "Paint Me A Picture" act. Everyone was happy with a burning hope to enjoy the chance and the moment to experience the simplicity of life.

Finally, Doyzkie and company arrived bringing along Jollibee meals and Greenwich Pizzas that added more joy to the children's faces, so with their families. iLearners gathered around and started giving out school supplies, bags, plus the food that contributed an eternally vivid smile to this beautiful young and promising faces. The children followed each instruction and participated hard and good to be able to get to this point of  receiving a gift that will help them realize their dream of having a brighter future not only for themselves but for their families as well in Caohagan. I vibrantly remembered this young girl of 12 who patiently sat on her stroller enjoying each unfolding scene, then also that young guy who sit around his broken wheelchair.

It was really a great opportunity to serve our fellowmen especially when you know that their interest is beyond what you could actually grasp. Everything is beyond measure, including our experience as volunteers. AS we are about to end the day, we brought with us rare gifts from the children - the gift of hope and love. I pray that the group would never grew tired of "Fighting Rural Illiteracy One Step At A Time," even if it means experiencing big waves of trials and cruel storms of frustration, may we never give-up on this children and bring them the gift they undoubtedly deserve.

AMDG.