Staff Blog
Last October we entered the Support Give-Away Contest for Resource Mate, the library automation program we use at Cebu Children of Hope School. It doesn't sound too glamorous, but we thought it would be worth it to submit the required essay to see if we could win a year of free tech support. The essay had to describe how Resource Mate helps impact our community. Well, we just found out we won the contest!!! Woo Hoo!!!
Here's the essay we submitted:
It’s library day and Eugene wants to check out the next book in the Ranger’s Apprentice series. He looks at the spine label and heads to the “Fla” part of the Fiction section. Juliet wants to check out a Clifford book. She read one in her class and is excited there are more books about Clifford. I help her look in the Easy section and we hunt for the spine labels that have “Bri.” Mary Grace is ready to tackle chapter books and wants to know where to look for ones for girls. I point her in the direction of the Fiction section of books with spine labels that read “Ame” for American Girl books. Maybe she’d like to try a Junie B. Jones book too. The Level B reading class is studying about camouflage. A bunch of the kids ask where to find books about animals that use camouflage. We brainstorm about how to do that and someone remembers that we should search on the Resource Mate computer using the keyword camouflage. The Reading Challenge contest is in full swing. Kids race into the library each day to return their books and check out a new stack to read at home. Teacher Amanda comes into the library looking for books on the theme of risks and consequences. She searches and finds a number of books she can check out and keep in the classroom for the kids to read while they are working on this topic. Teacher Alfie stops in right before leaving for the day to check out some books to read to his girls at home. Sounds like a pretty normal day in the life of a library.
But the library at Cebu Children of Hope School is anything but normal or typical in this city of 866,000 people with one public library. Our library serves the community of children who reside at Children’s Shelter of Cebu, an orphanage in Cebu City, Philippines and the staff who work with the children. All of the children who come to live at Children’s Shelter of Cebu are from the surrounding communities on the island of Cebu or neighboring islands. The vast majority of the children have either never attended school or have attended very little. When the children start attending school at Children of Hope School, they often do not know the letters of the alphabet much less how to read. Usually it is safe to say no one has ever had a book read to them. Needless to say, they have never seen a library.
The children are thrilled to learn what a
library is. No one has to convince them
how cool it is to browse the shelves of books and check out books to take home
to the shelter. Teachers have also often
never been inside a proper library. To
have an automated system and thousands of books at their fingertips is pretty
unbelievable. The children and teachers
are taught how to look for books in the library. They learn what spine labels and bar codes
are and how the books are organized on the shelves. They are taught how to search for books by
title, author, subject, or keyword. The
children hover around the Resource Mate computer in the library eager to have
their books scanned so they can start reading their selections.
Most of the children who come through the doors
of the shelter and school are adopted either locally or internationally. Currently the children have been adopted into
families in fourteen different countries around the world. The experience and knowledge gained at our
school and in our library goes with them to their new countries, communities,
and families.
On the surface, the little library at Cebu Children of Hope School seems pretty normal, but every day really is a little bit miraculous in our slice of the world on the tiny island of Cebu in the Pacific Ocean.
Safety and Security: The Importance of Fire Drills
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Celebrating Buwan ng Wika and 26 Years of Cebu Children of Hope School
Cebu Children of Hope School came alive recently with the vibrant colors, sounds, and spirit of Filipino culture. It was culmination and celebration of Buwan ng Wika (language month), and the celebration also marked the school's 26th anniversary. The theme, "Filipino: Wikang Mapagpalaya," resonated deeply with everyone, reminding us of the power of our language to free and unite us as a people.
Festivities began with anticipation as students from all levels—kindergarten to grade 6—prepared to showcase their talents. Each performance reflected a deep love for the Filipino heritage. From energetic folk dance and soulful singing of classic Filipino songs to heartfelt recitations of poetry and creative interpretative dances, the students' efforts shone brightly.
Our beautifully decorated stage, set in a barrio fiesta theme, added a festive backdrop that enhanced every performance. One of the day's highlights was a surprise performance by the teachers of CCHS. With ukuleles and guitars in hand, we serenaded the crowd with beloved Filipino folk songs like "Bahay Kubo," "Si Felimon," and "Paru-Parong Bukid." The music filled the room, and the joyful expressions on the students' faces were priceless. It was a moment of unity and nostalgia, where generations celebrated our shared culture.
Out in the courtyard awaited a feast of traditional Filipino food. The tantalizing aroma of crispy "lechon baboy" paired with puso (hanging rice) filled the air. Students lined up eagerly to savor the flavors of home—refreshing buko juice, taho, and calamansi juice to cool down from the sun, and delectable treats like chicharon, buko pie, ice cream, empanadas, lanzones, watermelon, and the always-tasty customary lumpia and dynamite chili lumpia. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, chatter, and an unmistakable sense of community and, reinforcing the bonds that tie us as a community and reminding us of the beauty and freedom found in our language and culture.
Here's to many more years of celebrating our heritage, language, and shared dreams at Cebu Children of Hope School. To all of our supporters in this ministry, a big thank you for being a part of this incredible journey!
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Beyond Clinics
On behalf of our Medical Department....
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." — Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Everything begins with God and flows from Him. Each of us is a vital part of His divine plan, placed in this moment in history for a purpose.
From the beginning, it was a challenge to find a doctor willing to step out of their clinics or hospitals to visit our children and dedicate the time needed to check on each of them. But God, in His perfect timing, gave us an extraordinary physician whose heart was indeed with the kids. For the first time in CSC's history, the medical department successfully conducted an Annual Physical Examination of all the residents. In collaboration with the CSC medical team, the physician conducted thorough check-ups on all the residents, addressing major and minor concerns. This was a great gift from our Almighty God! We also thank God for the joyful dedication of our medical staff, who, with their unwavering commitment, assisted the doctor in this vital mission.
One of our beloved long-term residents, who joyfully received care from the doctor, stands as a powerful testament to the impact of our work. Their joy and health clearly reflect the importance of our mission and the need for continued support.
These playful kids patiently waited and cooperated well as the doctor checked on them during their turn, a testament to their understanding of the importance of their health and well-being.
This momentous achievement reminds us that God's plans for us are always good, even when the journey seems complicated. Just as Jeremiah 29:11 assures us, God has a purpose and a plan that brings hope and a future. Through His provision of a compassionate physician and a dedicated medical team, He has shown His care for every child in our shelter. He answers and provides for every need, even our seemingly impossible prayers. As we reflect on this milestone, we are reminded that when we trust in His timing and purpose, God faithfully provides for every need, big or small, in ways beyond our expectations.
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Health Does Matter
The Cebu Children of Hope School (CCHS) recently observed Nutrition Month. In her opening greeting, Mrs. Criselda Tabra, our school principal, encouraged everyone to take good care of our bodies by eating a balanced diet and staying healthy. One of the CSC nurses then led a discussion and offered advice on leading a healthy lifestyle.
Next up was Zumba! Moving our bodies is another approach to maintaining our health. Both the teachers and the students had a great time dancing. Then, our ever-enthusiastic coordinators guided the students and staff through a series of engaging games. Every student enjoyed the opportunity to take part, and those who correctly identified the answer received prizes. Then came one of the most anticipated parts of the program: the announcement of the Nutrition Month coloring contest winners. Way to go, guys, and enjoy your prizes!
The last part of the program included eating nutritious foods beside the courtyard. Most students enjoyed it, while others were trying to finish their share. What a fun way to commemorate Nutrition Month.
The program and activities were only an hour-long program, yet somehow they made an impact on everyone present at that moment. The experience was also one way of letting our students know that the people around them value their health and well-being. A huge "thank you" to everyone at CCHS and CSC who works hand in hand to ensure our children's good health. And as adults serving these children, we also must stay healthy in all aspects.
So, what is the ideal thing to do to be able to achieve a healthy lifestyle? This is one of the most common questions that most of us ask when we aim to live longer and happier. Well, the answer depends on how determined someone is to stay healthy. First, stay positive, then feed yourself in healthy ways. And the list goes on and on. What about you? What is your definition of being healthy? Are you doing things that promote good health physically, socially, financially, emotionally, mentally, and most importantly, spiritually? What a great reminder it is to start evaluating how we are doing as stewards of our bodies and our whole lives. The good thing is that it is not too late to start living healthy lives. So, what are you waiting for?
Start now!
As Bonnie Pfiester says, "Today is your day to start fresh, to eat right, to train hard, to live healthy, and to be proud." Bethany Johnson also says, "Our body is an incredible gift that only we can steward. Care for your body can be fun—not a burden or a 'should'—but a daily and empowering project of love for yourself and an expression of gratitude for God's wonderful work. That's you!"
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