Experiencing Renovate to Educate with Teach for the Philippines and Starbucks
First off, I want to share with you how long I've been waiting for an opportunity like this. Ever since I was in high school, I already felt that I was called to help out the kids especially those out of school. I still didn't any idea how back then. It was more of a feeling not yet an urge.
However, when I stepped in college, the part of our lives where we are already equipped to discover and actually "do" things. I developed the urge to help out, but the problem was there seemed to be no opportunity. It was only in the latter part of my college days when I realized that the reason as to why there seemed to be no opportunity to help out was because I kept on "waiting" for it.
Coincidentally, when I had that realization, I learned about an ongoing application for the school's The Outstanding Coed - The Outstanding Young Man (TOC-TOYM). I mustered all the courage, and submitted my application. Luckily, I was able to be a finalist where we had the opportunity to develop a project that will target a community. That was the first time I was able to help voluntarily, and it fortunately turned out pretty well.
Now, when I entered the work force, I decided to engage myself in a charity or voluntary work (as documented in my Personal Goals for 2015 [read more] ). I didn't know where and how to start, but that was when I met Roan, a friend from the office. She's into these things, and opened a lot of doors for me.
It was through her how I ended up participating in this Renovate to Educate program held in Nueve de Pebrero Elementary School last April 11 and West Fairview Elementary School last April 18.
What is Renovate to Educate?
Renovate to Educate facilitates renovation projects between public schools and private organizations. The results of thorough assessment of a selected public school's needs are matched with the corporate social responsibility expectations of the partner private organizations.
In our case, the partner private organization was Starbucks Philippines.
What to expect in Renovate to Educate?
If you are planning to participate as a volunteer, here are the things you will most probably encounter:
What have I learned from participating?
It is indeed highly fulfilling being able to help out in this kind of event. At least, now I can proudly tell that I'm not just waiting for opportunities, but pro-actively seeking them out. Participating in this kind of event just lightens up your soul, and makes you feel heavily fulfilled.
Practical things I learned include sawing of course, which is by the way, not as easy as it seems.
Hopefully, this blog post gives you an idea of things you will learn by participating in the Renovate to Educate program. Feel free to contact us or drop a comment.
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| SGV goes to Nueve de Febrero Elementary School for Renovate to Educate |
Coincidentally, when I had that realization, I learned about an ongoing application for the school's The Outstanding Coed - The Outstanding Young Man (TOC-TOYM). I mustered all the courage, and submitted my application. Luckily, I was able to be a finalist where we had the opportunity to develop a project that will target a community. That was the first time I was able to help voluntarily, and it fortunately turned out pretty well.
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| Project our team spearheaded - Ilaw ng Kabataan: Boys that LED |
It was through her how I ended up participating in this Renovate to Educate program held in Nueve de Pebrero Elementary School last April 11 and West Fairview Elementary School last April 18.
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| Renovate to Educate - Nueve de Febrero Elementary School April 11, 2015 |
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| Renovate to Educate in West Fairview Elementary School April 18, 2015 |
What is Renovate to Educate?
Renovate to Educate facilitates renovation projects between public schools and private organizations. The results of thorough assessment of a selected public school's needs are matched with the corporate social responsibility expectations of the partner private organizations.
In our case, the partner private organization was Starbucks Philippines.
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| Teach for the Philippines Cohorts in West Fairview Elementary School |
What to expect in Renovate to Educate?
If you are planning to participate as a volunteer, here are the things you will most probably encounter:
- Doing physical yet practical activities such as rebuilding doors, chairs, chalk board and etc.
- Getting some splats of paint from re-painting the chairs
- Meeting awesome people!
- Feeling extra-fulfilled
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| Emil Ong, our senior at work, getting all dirty with all the red paint |
Do not forget to wear comfortable clothes, and make sure you won't mind getting paint on them.
What have I learned from participating?
It is indeed highly fulfilling being able to help out in this kind of event. At least, now I can proudly tell that I'm not just waiting for opportunities, but pro-actively seeking them out. Participating in this kind of event just lightens up your soul, and makes you feel heavily fulfilled.
Practical things I learned include sawing of course, which is by the way, not as easy as it seems.
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| Shawn Lim, Emil Ong, Roan Silverio and Renz Cheng (blogger) Shot in West Fairview Elementary School |
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| Renovate to Educate SGV volunteers in West Fairview Elementary School (From left to right) Shawn Lim, Emil Ong, Roan Silverio and Renz Cheng |
