Child sponsorship update from Iloilo
15/01/2008
Update from the SOS Children's Village Iloilo, May 2007
Dear Friend,
The year 2007 has opened another phase for SOS Children’s Village Iloilo as it continues to tailor developmental opportunities to our 113 children and youths. It is indeed a fruitful start for the whole family with activities laid out the first half of the year. Allow us to inform you on how it unfolded.
What’s new and first ever in SOS Iloilo was the Rite of Passage for our five youth boys. They were transferred to a rented youth facility last January 5, as part of the semi-integration program of the organization. They are now living there together with a Youth-in-charge Educator.
In February, we celebrated the Heart’s Day with exciting games like dressing the doll, crossword puzzles with valentine trivia, and heart relay. Also, a mini-concert and gospel sharing was also conducted in the village organized the Central Philippine University Gospel Team. It was a big day for our SOS children to be with those young people whose aim is to share and spread the word of God. Moreover, SOS children joined the educational field trip last March 1 - 3 at Garin Farm in Bantayan Resort, Guimbal, Iloilo. Garin Farm is a popular tourist destination in Iloilo where organic farming is displayed with a mini-zoo. The field trip was facilitated by SOS Kindergarten faculty and staff. On the other hand, we welcomed four newly admitted children last March 9. They were referred by the local Social Welfare government agency.
During the Graduation Rights in March, we congratulated our 19 graduates for the School Year 2006-2007. One graduated from High School level, seven from Elementary level and 11 from Kindergarten school. Together with their SOS mothers and Pedagogical team, we dined out last March 30 to celebrate this rewarding occasion. Also, a painting and Styrofoam letter cutting workshop was initiated by the Training and Skills Committee. 29 children and youths participated.
The village is busy now for different summer activities lined up in order to make the children’s vacation from school productive and fruitful. Everybody is busy preparing for summer activities, outings, summer lessons and trainings, camping, sports and other outdoor activities. The children and youths are enjoying series of activities prepared for them. 37 boys and girls together with four Pedagogical staff had their 3-day Summer Youth Camp last April 26-28 at Camp Pasica, Dingle, Iloilo.
In April also, we commemorated the death anniversary of our founder, Dr. Hermann Gmeiner. The program started with choral singing followed by floral and candle offering. Each family house assigned a reader to read some inspiring quotation of Lolo Gmeiner while the Village Director talked on the great works of our founder. On the other hand, a Sacrament of Confirmation was conducted on April 25 to 142 individuals, 47 of which were SOS children, 3 SOS staff and 92 from the neighboring community. The celebration was jointly organized with the Spiritual Committee and solemnized by Archbishop Angel Lagdameo of the Archdiocese of Jaro, Iloilo. Also on April 29, a blood letting activity was conducted in cooperation with the Philippine National Red Cross. Among the 25 individuals who registered, 16 were qualified blood donors.
In behalf of the whole SOS Iloilo family, our sincerest gratitude for your continuing support! We also wish that every child under our care will always be blessed with humility and grateful heart to all the people who made a better place for them - just like what you did for our SOS family!
With warm wishes and regards,
Renie Masongsong
Village Director
Sponsor's update from Lipa
An update from the SOS Children's Village Lipa, Summer 2007
Dear Friend,
Warmest greetings in behalf of the 113 children, 27 youths, 12 mothers and 20 co-workers of SOS Children’s Village Lipa! It was indeed a fruitful start of the year especially that the 40th year anniversary was joyously celebrated within the semester. Allow us to inform you on how this unfolded.
The SOS family received a media mileage last January through the local TV network, GMA 7’s program “MEL and JOEY”. The Children’s Village was covered and our Village Director, Mr. Leonilo Rivero, with some of the mothers and children were interviewed. Also, the following month proved a very busy month with the start of preparations leading to the celebration of the 40th SOS Anniversary. It was also last February that Special City Ordinance No. 06-2007 was released. The City Ordinance declared that every 1st day of May is SOS Children’s Village Lipa Day.
For the month of March, 24 children and youths successfully graduated: three from pre-elementary, 14 from elementary, two in high school, four in Vocational and Associate courses, and one in college.
During the Lenten Season, the Youth Boys and Girls gathered together for a two-day group activity at the old youth house in San Carlos. The highlight of their activity was a quarterly evaluation of their general performance. Moreover, as part of their penitence, they hiked Mt. Makulot and conducted “Visita Iglesia” to the different churches within Lipa City.
Last April 21, a Fun Run and Fun Walk with a theme “Love and Hope . One Step at a Time” was held. There were 75 registrants inclusive of the Staff from the SOS National Office and Youths of SOS-Manila. There were cash prizes and medals given to the top three winners. On the 28th, 29th, & 30th, a Triduum Mass was successfully held. The Masses were officiated by the Archbishop of Lipa and the Parish Priest of the community where SOS Lipa is located. It was held at San Vicente Parish.
On May 1st, the most awaited big event, which was the 40th Founding Anniversary, was held. With the theme “Pamilyang SOS, Kumakalinga Para SA Maunlad Na Bukas”, lots of activities during the whole day were done. As early as 7:30 in the morning, everyone gathered at the village courtyard for the motorcade. Afterwards, a barrio fiesta celebration was started. In the afternoon, the highlights were the Mini-Santacruzan which was participated by the mothers and co-workers dressed in Filipiniana together with the Miss Lipa Tourism candidates and High Mass with His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales. There was also the ribbon cutting and showing of the anniversary gallery which was followed by the talents showcase presentation entitled “Ito Kasi Kami Eh!” by our very own selected mothers and children. Invited guests and friends including the people from the neighboring community came to join and support the said celebration.
To ensure the medical status of the children and youths, the Annual Medical Examination was done in coordination with Metro Lipa Medical Center. On May 26th, an “Operation Tuli” or circumcision to 14 boys was held with Dr. De Castro and company. Moreover, on May 17th and 18th, the village outing was held at Filipina Beach Resort in Calaca, Batangas. Everyone had enjoyed and felt relax.
These are the activities that unfolded during the first part of the year. Our children and youths are always involved for their own development and welfare. In behalf of the whole SOS Lipa family, our sincerest gratitude for your continuing support and best wishes to you and your family!
Sincerely Yours,
Aleah B. Ortiz
Sponsorship and
Communication
Child sponsorship Calbayog
An update from the SOS Children's Village Calbayog
Dear Friend,
The year 2007 has opened another phase for SOS Children’s Village Calbayog as it continues to tailor developmental opportunities to our 118 children and youths. It is indeed a fruitful start for the whole family with activities laid out the first half of the year. Allow us to inform you on how it unfolded.
In unity with the Christian devotion, the yearly Sto. Niño Feast Day celebration festively sealed the whole village with blissful atmosphere in January. A liturgical Mass was observed with our local sponsors’ support, after which a banquet was served. The whole family organized a variety of production numbers for the celebration.
In February, we celebrated the Heart’s Day with dance showdowns, games and the Search for Mr. & Ms. Valentines 2007. On the other hand, the SOS Social Center for Mother and Child staff prepared the project visit of the Continental Navigator, Mr. Pradeep Singh. Mr. Singh is in-charge of the Strategic Initiative 2 Family Strengthening Program of SOS-Kinderdorf International-Asia. He was warmly welcomed, with a fabulous night of presentation from the HGSCMC beneficiaries.
Collaborative efforts drew our children and youths together for a Community Clean-Up Drive in front of the village premises. This was the first activity in March as an outreach program for the neighboring community. We had an enjoyable and rewarding day, with the thought that all our children and youths contributed for the environmental efforts of the community. Moreover, our High School students and Elementary Pupils from Grades 4 to 6 attended a one-day recollection in observance of the Lenten Season. Also, a beach outing cheerfully kicked off after as the entire family was reunited for a summer getaway weekend. Even the youths residing in boarding houses came home for the outing.
During the Graduation Rights in March, we congratulated our 25 graduates for the School Year 2006-2007. Two successfully finished their College degrees; Simeon with Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Melinda with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Also, 10 youths finished their High School Education, 5 children graduated in Elementary Level and 8 in Pre-Elementary.
The village is busy now for different summer activities lined up in order to make the children’s vacation from school productive and fruitful. These activities include: Dance Clinic, Recognition Day, Summer Job Exposure, Youth Transfer Preparation Program, Skills Training on Handicrafts, Candle and Souvenir Making and the most awaited Sports Festival. Also, the Youth Community prepared summer activities like Job Exposures, Transfer Rites, Skills Training in Sewing Craft for 20 days, Practical Electricity Application and Gardening.
In behalf of the whole SOS Calbayog family, our sincerest gratitude for your continuing support! We also wish that every child under our care will always be blessed with humility and grateful heart to all the people who made a better place for them just like what you did for our SOS family!
With warm wishes and regards,
Aleah B. Ortiz
Sponsorship and
Communication
Relevant Countries: Philippines.