Annual Encounter with Sr Sarah

Last Thursday's heavy rains and floods, brought about by tropical storm Santi, did not deter the VIDES volunteers from going to Don Bosco School Sta. Mesa to be a part of the annual encounter with Sr Sarah B. Garcia FMA.  As always, the volunteers were very much eager to hear what the Provincial Superior of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians has to say.  

Sr Sarah started her message by congratulating all the volunteers for all the good they do in transforming the lives of children.  She acknowledged the contribution of the volunteers in shaping the loves of children through education.  

Here is Sr. Sarah's inspiring message to the volunteers:

"Continue walking with Christ, which means contemplating the love story between God and you. It is awesome to live and walk with Christ as we journey daily with Him. 

A young boy asked Pope Francis how to believe and search to be faithful. The Pope answered, 'Walking is an art; if we are always in a hurry we might not be able to reach our destination'. 

Walking is the art of looking to the horizon; thinking about where I want to go, and coping with the weariness that comes from walking. Moreover, the way is often hard-going and it is not easy. I want to be faithful to this journey, but it is not easy. 

Listen, there is darkness. There are days of darkness, days of failure, and some days of falling. Someone falls, and falls. Sometimes we feel weak, we can’t move on; there is darkness… yet, always keep this in mind: Do not be afraid of failure. Do not be afraid of falling. 

In the art of walking, it is not falling that matters. Get up immediately, and continue to go on and this is beautiful. This is how we ought to walk every day. 

It is terrible to walk alone, terrible and tedious. Walking in community, with friends, with those who love us… this helps us to arrive precisely at the destination where we must arrive. 

Christ is our greatest friend who is faithful and true. 

We go through different transitions in life, midlife… late adulthood. People change… sometimes we get tired.. WE ARE LOOKING FOR RENEWED MEANING IN OUR LIFE. Times are moving forward… we experience changes.. These transitions are normal; they are a call for us to discover ourselves better. 

We, who give ourselves to others, we expand our hearts, we transcend ourselves, especially when we encounter the poor. Even if we are in deep pain, we still understand why we move on. We have discovered that 'more' in life… and if we continue to search, we will discover the 'more' beyond that more."

VIDES Partners with CWC for the National Children's Month Celebration

VIDES Philippines, in partnership with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), organized a special children's festival in celebration of this year's National Children's Month at the Don Bosco School Sta. Mesa last Saturday, 05 October 2013.

The 160 children from the five areas of the Busina Mo, Dunong Ko (BMDK) Mobile Literacy Program were joined by VIDES volunteers, officials and staff of the CWC, and delegates from other government agencies, NGOs, schools, and other faith-based organizations.   

The children actively participated in the cheerdance competition, poster making contest, quiz bee, and essay writing contest on children's rights.  

 

Voice of VIDES @ PTV Channel 4

In celebration of the National Children's Month, our very own homegrown songbirds, Voice of VIDES Choir, was invited to sing during the Holy Mass celebrated last Sunday, 06 October 2013, at PTV Channel 4, the country's national television station.  

Their angelic voices were accompanied by the guitar of their trainor, Mr. Arnel Sibolino. On keyboards were VIDES Philippines Delegate Sr Jojo Carrasco FMA and volunteer Simonh Bries.  VIDES volunteer Amy Suzara also complemented the girls' lovely voices.

Cheers to the Voice of VIDES Choir! Continue sharing your talents and continue singing for the glory of God!   

Snapshots: National Children's Month 2013

VIDES Kicks Off the National Children's Month Celebration at Don Bosco School Manila

In line with its goal of furthering the advocacy on children's rights, VIDES Philippines facilitated the kick off of this year's National Children's Month Celebration at Don Bosco School Manila last October 2, 2013.  

VIDES Sisters and volunteers, with the help of FMA Sisters and Don Bosco teachers, cooked up a series of fun activities that aimed to raise the students' awareness on their rights as children.  

Members of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) showcased their talents in acting, singing, drawing, and slogan-making.  They also presented their commitments to be good and productive members of the society.

The National Children's Month is celebrated every month of October, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 267, series of 1993.  For 2013, the theme, Kahirapan, Wakasan, Karapatan ng Bata Ipaglaban! focuses on poverty. It highlights that poverty reduction starts with children and that education is the most promising intervention that can make a difference in the life of every child and his/her family.

Go to the VIDES Philippines Facebook Page for more photos.

Livelihood Project: VIDES Awards 25 Piglets and 25 Goats to Indigent Aeta Families

VIDES Delegate Sr Maria Josefina Carrasco FMA, VIDES President Tony Espinosa, and members of the VIDES Board of Trustees led the awarding of 25 piglets and 25 goats to 50 indigent Aeta families from Sitio Monicayo, Brgy Calumpang, Mabalacat, Pampanga last September 15, 2013.

Through its various livelihood programs, VIDES Philippines aims to alleviate the plight of indigent families by giving them additional source of income. 

Livelihood Project: Makina Mo, Kabuhayan Ko Bedsheets and Pillow Cases

The mothers of VIDES' Makina Mo, Kabuhayan Ko Urban Livelihood Project lovingly made stylish bedsheets and pillowcases for you.  

Liven up your bedroom with these colorful, eye-catching bedroom essentials. Guaranteed to give anyone sweet dreams and a restful sleep!    

For only Php999.00, you get a fitted sheet (36" x 72"), a flat sheet (54" x 82"), and two pillow cases (18" x 29")!  

You may give them as gifts to your loved ones or colleagues this Christmas Season. For orders and inquiries, please call (632)703-5606.  We accept bulk orders. 

VIDES Joins the National Children's Month Celebration

VIDES Philippines celebrates the 2013 National Children's Month with a special program and get-together on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at Don Bosco School Manila, V. Mapa Extension, Sta. Mesa, Manila. 

VIDES Sisters and volunteers will join the children from the different areas of the Busina Mo, Dunong Ko (BMDK) Mobile Literacy Program in a day of fun games and enriching activities. There will be a quiz bee, a cheerdance competition, various art contests, and a mini concert.  A Convention on the Rights of Children (CRC) skit will also be presented during the event.  

Rev Fr. Joey B. Tuzaon, Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart of Jesus will officiate the Eucharistic Celebration.  Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) Executive Director, Ms. Brenda S. Vigo, will grace the said event as special guest.

Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 267, series of 1993, the National Children's Month is celebrated every month of October.  This year's theme,  Kahirapan, Wakasan, Karapatan ng Bata Ipaglaban! focuses on poverty. It highlights that poverty reduction starts with children and that education is the most promising intervention that can make a difference in the life of every child and his/her family.

Dep Ed Commends VIDES Philippines for Supporting the ALS Program

VIDES Philippines received a Certificate of Commendation signed by no less than Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC, Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), for its invaluable contributions to the cause of the country's Alternative Learning System (ALS) Program.

DepEd specifically lauded VIDES for supporting Don Bosco School's ALS program called Rekindling a Child's Hope through Education-Alternative Learning System (REACH-ALS).  The volunteer foundation has provided a Mobile Library and transportation for ALS learners of Don Bosco School-Sta. Mesa, donated instructional media materials (laptop computers and LCD projector), provided funds for the honoraria of ALS Instructional Managers, and granted scholarships to ALS test passers.

This recognition is another feather in the cap of VIDES Philippines, which, with the help of its generous donors and benefactors, shall continue to help out-of-school youth attain their dreams of earning a high school diploma, their key to a brighter future.