Children receive school supplies for new school year

“Bata, Kabataan! Kaagapay ng Bayan, tungo sa Kaunlaran! Bata, Kabataan! Kaagapay ng Bayan, tungo sa Kaunlaran!”

Children clapped their hands, stamped their feet, and raised their fists as they chanted these words. Kuya Mike, World Vision community leader in Batangas, led the kids into a bit of dancing to pump them up before the distribution. Everyone was all smiles as they sang chants and followed the lead of Kuya Mike. After a few more claps and action dance, staff from World Vision began to give what children were most excited for that day—school kits.

Make joyful noise! Children happily danced and laughed together before the distribution of school kits.

In an open space under a big tree behind the community’s barangay hall, children patiently sat as they anticipated for the school kits given by sponsors and donors of World Vision. The kits were raised through the organization’s annual Back-to-School Campaign and are consist of notebooks, paper, pens, a bag, and other materials children need in school.

Cheerful Children of Batangas. Children make fun of each other while waiting for the program to start.

When Renalyn, 7, received her bag, she shyly accepted, as if she was not used to receiving gifts. Renalyn’s friend, Francisco, 11, accompanied her and they both said their thanks as they stepped out of the crowd and rushed to a bench to marvel at the gifts they received.

Thank You for the Bags. Renalyn and Francisco smiles in front of the camera – grateful for the school kits they received from World Vision.

When asked what’s her favorite school material, Renalyn hid behind Dorie, Francisco’s mother, and said in a small voice, “Notebook po, kasi hindi po agad nauubos tapos nakakapagpractice po akong magsulat (Notebook, because it is not easily consumed and I can practice my writing).” Francisco echoed Renalyn’s answers. He has been receiving school supplies from World Vision for four years now.

Dorie also shared that with World Vision’s help, her son is able to enjoy a complete set of school materials for his school needs. “Before, I would have to divide one notebook into sections, but now, he has separate notebooks for different subjects.” he added that they are now able to buy more rice for the family since she does not need to spend for her children’s school needs anymore.

Renalyn and Francisco are among more than 1,900 children in Batangas who received school supplies this year. As of writing, World Vision has already raised funds for the school kits of 22,500 children and has begun to distribute in other assisted communities like Manila, Malabon, Cebu, and North Cotabato. The organization has been giving school kits to children since 2014.

Contributed by Lily Amelia Lofranco (Intern) and Caroline Joy Veronilla (Donor Education Specialist)

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World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

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