Brixie gave my birthday gift way ahead of time. Last June 10, a bunch of us hopped into a van that took us to Bayan-Bayanan Primary School in Barangay Pita, Dinalupihan, Bataan.

This school is a beneficiary of KaEskwela, Inc., a group of “friends who have come together to extend assistance to public schoolchildren.” One must note however, that this non-profit band of volunteers is not connected with the Dept. of Education’s Brigada Eskwela program, a project for the physical maintenance of public schools.

It was KaEskwela’s second visit to this school. The first was last April 19, wherein KaEskwela donated a number of educational supplies (a computer set w printer, an encyclopedia set and some books for the library) for the students of the Primary School. This time, a number of volunteers brought rubber slippers, notebooks, bags, pencils, erasers, crayons, pencil cases, sharpeners, rulers, pad papers, umbrellas, raincoats, clothes for the kids - perfect for the start of the school year.

Among the students of the school are Aeta children who used to walk to school for three hours every day. The Aetas have found out how essential it is to learn how to read and write to avoid getting cheated by unscrupulous merchants. Now, they just stay at a dormitory near the satellite school and return home to their families on weekends.

Teacher Raffy shared with me a shocking revelation. He pointed out that one classroom can have students of different levels - each column serves as the division for Grades 3,4, and 5 students. I can only imagine the quality of learning the Bayan-bayanan kids are receiving as compared to well, just any private school in Manila. Philippine rural education still has a long way to go.

The children were just adorable. And funny too. One kid, refused to get a bag coz the only ones available were too feminine for his taste. Another one rolled his eyes at the Spiderman bag given to him and chose a pink Hannah Montana one instead. As soon as their classes were dismissed, they passed by the room we were eating and they all shouted/waved their thanks, carrying their newly-acquired bags, school supplies and wearing their new slippers.

I’m much obliged Brixie for sharing this experience with me. Part of my job in my former company was to handle CSR programs and I miss doing those. I’ve always enjoyed our annual sponsorship to the Associacion de Damas de Filipinas, an orphanage in Manila located near Plazang Dilaw. The kids there were so fun to be with, I was once inspired to hold my birthday party there so that my fam and friends can also have a grand time with them. I can still remember the kids’ warm smiles and hugs, their delightful song and dance numbers which they gladly perform for visitors.

After the Bayan-bayanan trip, I felt energized. We read a lot of depressing stories on the news and it’s easy to be disappointed with the tons of mistakes our government makes. But see, instead of just proclaiming our dissatisfaction, and thinking there is nothing we can do, I believe we can. Whining is for the lazy. Go out, explore other worlds and you can see how very blessed you are. For in fact, despite lacking financial possessions, the Bayan-bayanan children carry with them a certain joy that I don’t think stems from getting new footwear. I think they were simply happy knowing we were there for them. Blessed as we are, we can share our time and effort to be able to assist those in need.

KaEskwela will be holding a block screening of “Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince” on July 17, 8:30 pm at the THX Cinema of Robinson’s Galleria. By participating in this fund-raising event you will be able to take part of KaEskwela’s Build-A-Library Program. Tickets sell for Php 250. A Harry Potter box set, HP collectibles and other prizes will be raffled. For ticket inquires, please contact Mr. Brix Bayuga at 0916-6634443.

KaEskwela is always looking for more people who wish to join the group or just donate. We accept books (old or new, reference books, storybooks/fiction, textbooks), school bags, shoes, uniform, school supplies, educational VCDs, visual aid learning materials, flash cards, computers and money. Just email kaeskwelavolunteers@yahoo.com for donation arrangements. Rest assured, all donation turnovers are properly documented, and you will be sent photos of the schools accepting donations, or acknowledgement letters from school officials.

For more information regarding KaEskwela, please see http://brigadaeskwela.multiply.com/

For the price of an unquestionably enjoyable movie, we can all make a difference in the lives of public schoolchildren.

See you there!