October 17, International Day for Eradication of Poverty

Dear friends,

Every year on October 17th, the international community observes the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
This day is a key opportunity to think of the struggle against extreme poverty that takes place every day and of the role that everyone has to play in this fight. People living in extreme poverty have an equal right to endeavor alongside all citizens to create a better world where rights are respected for all.

People’s messages written on October 17:

"We are perhaps not directly to blame for the exclusion of millions of human beings, but we can become the agents of their inclusion.”
“We need to unite with those living in extreme poverty, and work together.”

In the world, different events will be held and will gather people from different cultures, faiths backgrounds who refuse to think poverty as a fatality.
In Manila, we invite you to join us at the commemoration led by NAPC, National Anti-Poverty Commission together with ATD Fourth World Philippines.

October 17, 2010
8:00 AM, Rizal Park
Around the Commemorative Stone in honor of the poor
(near the auditorium and the chess plaza)


Sincerely, ATD Fourth World Permanent Volunteers,

Anne-Sylvie Laurent Sarah Ortega Elisabeth Lavrand


 In case you would not be able to join the ceremony at Rizal Park, Manila, here are some examples of October 17 celebrations, which give you inspiration for observance of the Day and for your own commitment. Teachers in some schools focus the lessons on the issue of poverty. Children send their poems and paintings to contribute to October 17. Homeless people gather in a train station in memory of their friends who have died. There are also silent walks organized with stops at historical landmarks that bear memory of the poor.

 Visit the October 17 website: www.refuserlamisere.org, for news of celebrations all over the world.

“Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty."
Fr. Joseph Wresinski

Donations for Creative HeARTs Materials

Dear Friends,

Every year All Together in Dignity (ATD) Fourth World Philippines conducts a fundraising event, Creative HeARTs, to support its various programs (Street Libraries, Festival of Learning, Forums, & Art Workshops). Part of the proceeds will also go to the families living in the poor communities in Manila.

On its third year, Creative HeARTs will feature handmade lanterns, parols (Christmas star lanterns), candle holders, and gift items using recycled materials. We need the following materials:

1) empty plastic soda bottles, size 1.5 liters
- preferably, pls. donate the green bottles (Zesto calamansi fruit soda or Sprite) and clear/transparent Zesto and Sarsi bottles

2) Starbucks napkins/tissues
- whenever you go to Starbucks, pls. request for many napkins

3) handmade papers (any size or color)

You can deliver your donations at the ATD office:
1225 Labores Street
Pandacan, Manila

For more information, please call 563.9312 or email atdmnl@pldtdsl.net

We highly appreciate it if you can forward this note to your friends and families!

Maraming Salamat!

ATD Fourth World Philippines

Oh la la... A French Fete!

Oh la la … a French Fete!

11 September 2010 (Saturday), 6.30 p.m.
ATD Office
1225 Labores Street
Pandacan, Manila


Chers Amis,

Enjoy a night of French culture, food, music, language, and plus plus !!!
• Learn French!
• Meet new friends!
• Support the Puerto Galera Public Library!

We highly appreciate if you can bring appetizers as well books to be donated for the Puerto Galera Library .

Celebrate “la joie de vivre” with us!

Amities,

All Together in Dignity (ATD) Fourth World Philippines

Répondez, S'il Vous Plaît : 563.9312 & atdmnl@pldtdsl.net

Puerto Galera Public Library needs the following: reference books, teacher manuals, computer books, arts & crafts, self-help, how-to-books.

Festival of Learning Sked

ATD Festival of Learning 2010 Schedule:

Theme: Love Mother Earth !

Assembly Place:
ATD Fourth World Office
1225 Labores Street
Pandacan, Manila


1) Workshop Preparations
March 24 – 27, 2 -6 p.m
March 29 – 31, 2 -6 p.m.
April 6 -10, 2- 6 p.m.

• suggest and teach any workshop (arts, crafts, music, dance, etc.) about the environment to the facilitators. For arts and crafts, the preference is to use recycled materials (e.g. scratch papers, plastic bottles, containers etc.);
• offer any excursion to the children to the museum, park, beach or any outdoor place where the children will enjoy the beauty of the nature;
• give art materials like crayons, creypas, paint, pencils, scissors, glue ; and
• donate money to fund the children’s excursions.

2) North Cemetery
April 13 – 18, 2 - 6 p.m.

3) Hilum Community
April 20 – 25, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

4) Lozada Community
April 27 – May 2, 2 – 5 p.m.

5) Under the Bridge, Quirino Avenue
May 4 – 9, 2- 5 p.m.

6) Evaluation
May 15, 2 – 5 p.m.

Pls. confirm first your participation or attendance by calling the office at 563.9312 or thru email atdmnl@pldtdsl.net due to possible change of schedule.

Festival of Learning 2010

Dear Friends,

From April 13 to May 09 2010, ATD Fourth World Movement Philippines will be organizing the Festival of Learning for the 21st consecutive year, for the children in four deprived areas of Manila.

We are pleased to invite you to come together and share your talents, time and ideas for activities, trips or anything that will make this summer vacation a great time for the children and their families. The festival aspires to build friendship and understanding between the poorest children and the adults from various backgrounds by sharing different avenues for learning.

It generally includes storytelling, arts and crafts workshops, drama sessions and presentations to unleash the children's potential. Outings with their families are also learning experiences and time to enjoy beauty of the nature.
However, it is also specific each year thanks to volunteers like you who join and share the best of their talents and passions.

We are counting on those who will be interested to get involved, please come to the Orientation Meeting for new volunteers:

March 20, 2010 at 3pm
At our office: 1225 Labores St., Pandacan, Manila

Please confirm your participation at 563 93 12, or email atdmnl@pldtdsl.net

See you soon! And best regards.

Elisabeth Lavrand
Project coordinator

Christmas Greetings

Dear friends,

This year 2009 remembered us that 20 years ago a Convention on the Rights of the Child has been pronounced by the United Nations.

In the Philippines, three children have gone to Geneva to deliver messages to the international community.

This summer, during the Festival of learning in their community, they have also expressed themselves.

Victor says:
‘’I have the right to have a family who will love me, so that in my studies they will be my inspiration. I have the right that my family will take care of me, and when I finish my education I will be the one to take care of them’’.

Leah tells us:
‘’I need the help of the government so I can defend my rights. I have the right to defend other people and myself’’.


We notice these children are aware of the role they can play, now and in the future, towards their family and the society in general, having rights and responsibilities. Once more they make us understand that we need to listen to them.

Emmanuel Levinas, a philosopher, was saying: ‘’The I, in front of others, is infinitely responsible’’.

So this new year to come, let us, adults, continue to support each other, families and their children in order for the latter to be able to grow and develop themselves as future citizens.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2010!


From ATD Fourth World Philippines

On the first week of December, ATD Tapori (the children's 'section' of ATD International Movement) planned a gathering of children to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The meeting took place in ATD House in Treyvaux, Switzerland, a big chalet on top of the rolling hills of this town. The purpose was to allow the children to express their experiences. The 'friendship train' story started the meeting, which is bringing children together and no child left out, which is the spirit of the UNCRC. The next few days, the children were grouped to discuss their own experiences and write messages. The culmination of was a meeting with the United Nations Deputy High Commissioner on Human Rights Mrs. Kang on Dec. 8 in Geneva.


The activities are interactive - learning songs from the countries, crafts, going outdoors - visiting a nearby farm, sightseeing in the city of Frighbourg and playing in the snow!

Nina Lim-Yuson
President
ATD International Movement

The Philippine delegates:
Children: Alyanna, Justhine, & Angela
Chaperones: Nina & Eric