SPYA’s Outreach to Suawawan: Making the Kids Smile

Instead of the usual reunions, the three generations of the San Pablo Youth Apostolate’s Core Group gathered together for a meaningful activity last May 30, 2016.

The SPYA came up with an idea of aligning their gathering in the Year of Mercy and Compassion that Pope Francis declared for this year. The young people of the said parish purchased and gathered school materials from their own pockets and monetary donations of their former members who are now professionals and working abroad. The school materials gathered are intended for the 150 students of MASICAMPO Elementary School, Suawawan, Marilog District, Davao City.

Right after the celebration of their Parish Youth Day held at San Pablo Parish Social Hall, the young people traveled going to Marilog and hiked 14 high hills for three hours together with their Youth Director, Rev. Fr. Jupiter Morales, DCD.

Despite the exhaustion caused by hiking and walking for hours, the SPYA were very optimistic especially when they saw the joy drawn in the faces of the excited children of Suawawan as they started distributing the bags filled with school materials. Aside from the distribution of the materials, they also conducted games for the children, fed them and gave used clothing.

What moved the youth of San Pablo Parish is when they interview the school Principal, Mr. Crestian S. Lloren who happened to be a youth formator also that the school he is handling has only four teachers and earning meager amount monthly and instead of using it for personal necessities, the teachers use the money to buy school supplies for the children and the school. “kinsa ba gud ganahan magtudlo ug bata, Sir nga walay gamit para isulat ug magtan-aw sa ilaha na ang bag kay cellophane. Dako kaayo ang tabang sa inyong pag-anhi.” said the Principal. Also when asked why not look for partners in the private sectors that they may help them, the principal answered that no one dares to partner with them and help because of the distance of their location. “Walay musukol sa among location sir dili madala ang mga hinabang diri kamo lang,” the principal added.

The SPYA especially Mr. Rhoderick Hernandez, the former Youth Coordinator was touched and teary witnessing the plight of the children and the school itself. Indeed it was a reunion worth celebrating. (Jecy Opada)