All Together In
Dignity (ATD) Fourth World Philippines successfully held its Festival Of
Learning (FOL) 2012 on the month of April with the three communities of North
Cemetery, Ilalim Ng Tulay, and Hilum/Lozada, friends and volunteers.
Communication was the central theme of the
festival and the aim was to “stop, look, and listen” to the voice of a child.
The festival consisted of story-telling, diverse arts & craft and talent/media
workshops, and fun activities such as games, puppet shows, etc. The culminating
outing was at GMA Network, Inc Studio where the kids and facilitators toured the
studios and met artists and news personalities.
Yeng Calaguas, ATD friend who conduct a singing workshop with David Cator, said, "I learned that two children in our workshop didn’t know how to read and had a hard time reading so they were not
able to follow the vocalization exercise. With this handicap, they continued on
and didn’t leave the group. Later, David was able to have them join the singing
of a Tagalog lyrics of which they know and didn’t need to read the lyrics.”
FOL 2012 reached its goal of
communicating the children’s situation to strangers. Friends and volunteers
were not only able to “stop, look, and listen” but they also acted on the
reality of the lives of the residents of the communities which needs to be
addressed immediately.
Children and
adults shared meaningful time together and it was such a great experience. Talents
and knowledge were generously given to the kids and their radiant smiles and
eagerness to learn fuelled the passion to serve. Lasting and meaningful
relationships were formed. Lives were touched.
We learned from
each other and gave without expecting
anything in return. That is the beauty of unconditional love. That is ATD –
preserving and protecting the dignity of the communities through sustainable
programs and educating the volunteers about understanding.
To be of service the least of our fellowmen is
an honor and a great privilege. ATD gives us the chance to serve our country
and to be one with our people. Let us help each other and build a nation with a
pure heart.
To volunteer, contact ATD Fourth World Philippines.
E-mail: philippines@atd-fourthworld.org
Anne-Sylvie Laurent: 9089426819
Guy Malfait: 9474237238
ATD House: 025639312
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