Staff Blog
It's a common aspiration for everyone to desire wealth, especially after enduring significant economic hardship. That was my mindset as I grew up: longing to achieve fame and fortune, reaching the goals that seemed perpetually out of reach. The agony of destitution is profound, especially when everything you need is beyond your reach and the uncertainty of when fortune might finally smile upon you.
During my college education, where I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, my resolve faced early skepticism. In my first semester, a professor cautioned us against expecting financial prosperity from this field, suggesting it would deplete our resources rather than enrich us. Despite this discouragement and the added challenge of being a working student, I remained steadfast in my conviction. I was convinced that social work was my destined career path.
Upon completing my bachelor's degree, I found myself immersed in various childcare institutions, encountering clients from diverse social backgrounds. Many were street kids or young individuals entangled in criminal activities such as theft, pickpocketing, robbery, and gang violence. Presently, I am dedicated to assisting children who have suffered various forms of abuse.
As a case manager, my daily routine involves employing casework tools such as active listening, observation, interviews, building relationships, and conducting home visits. As a people-oriented individual, I derive immense satisfaction from engaging with others, discussing their social challenges, and offering solutions based on assessments and recommendations. Advocating for the oppressed and witnessing transformative change brings me indescribable joy.
Doing case management work at the Children's Shelter of Cebu for nineteen years already would not have been possible without God's strength. Usually, fear haunts me because of life's uncertainties. I am still experiencing enormous challenges as I continue to deal with clients with diverse social problems. Still, the assurance of God's promises that he will be with me in my journey with each client has enabled me to overcome them.
Reaching out to families and empowering them to become cohesive units is another invaluable aspect of my work. We all define "wealth" differently. For me, the richness of my experiences in social work transcends monetary value; they are enduring treasures that will outlast my existence. They cannot be traded for any material wealth in this world. Would you dare to pursue such blessings?
My work ethics in the workplace are anchored in the scripture in the book of Isaiah 41:10.
'So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
All glory to God.
Crisologo B. Secuya
CSC Social Worker
The Sun
Every day at Cebu Children of Hope School (CCHS) we start our day with something called Morning Meeting. This is a "soft landing" time for our children which enables them to calm their bodies, practice social skills, and prepare for a great day of learning. Part of every Morning Meeting is a time for kids to share. Sometimes the question is about what they did over the weekend, sometimes the question is related to the day's lessons.
Teacher Chery and Teacher Mae lead the Morning Meeting for Level A1, our four energetic kindergarteners. Here is a conversation they recently had in their classroom, with the question relating to the day's science lesson.
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Teacher Mae asked, "Where do you think the sun will go during the night?"
Student 1: The sun goes under the sea at night because it goes under the line (he means the horizon).
Student 2: The sun is on the ground teacher.
Student 3: Hmmmmmm... the sun will go to bed and sleep.
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Even with their young minds, these children have great ideas that even surprise us adults at times. Each child at CCHS is surrounded by great teachers who have dedicated their lives to help enlighten and empower their students so they can understand everything from where the sun goes at night to understanding how the God who made the sun loves them unconditionally. Thank you for supporting the work that is happening every day at CCHS!
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Pag Ibig Award
Recently CSC received an award from the Pag-IBIG Fund, the Philippine government financial agency that is handling the mortgages for our 60 employees who are receiving Habitat for Humanity homes. The award recognizes the role of CSC in this project on behalf of our employees, who are all automatically members of Pag-Ibig.
This award is a testimony to the work of Paul Reasoner, who raised funds to help alieviate the financial burden for our workers and make their mortgages more affordable for them. We are an organization that values our employees and we have been concerned that they have decent housing. Many have lived in sub-standard houses prior to this project, and would not have had even the hope of having their own house and lot without the cooperative efforts of CSC, Pag-IBIG Fund and Habitat for Humanity. This award reflects that concern of CSC, and the partnership of the agencies who are all dedicated to getting deserving people into safe and affordable housing.
Pastor Fred Verdeflor, who is the husband of our CSC nurse Arlyn and President of the CSC Happy Homes homeowners association, went to Manila to accept the award on behalf of CSC.
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Life Cycles
All living things undergo different stages during their life. Some living things start as a seed, pollen, or spore. Other organisms such as animals start as a live young or an egg that sometimes needs to undergo the process of metamorphosis which completely changes their appearance.
In my Level B2 science class the students were able to witness the process of metamorphosis. We started in the caterpillar stage where the students saw how many leaves the caterpillar consumed. After several weeks it became a pupa. The students were very eager to look at the changes every day though it stunk when they opened the lid of the box. The day finally arrived when the caterpillar became a moth! We all went outside and set the moth free. The students were so excited to be a part of this process!
The whole activity took a lot of time and dedication but the result was very fulfilling. The students were able to learn not just how metamorphosis works but also about patience, perseverance, and having a love for nature.
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2018 Highlights
CSC Higlights of 2018
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Christmas 2018
Click to see pics of the different activities at CSC this Christmas. Our generous donors allow us to give lots of fun times to the children. God bless you all.
Junel's Box 2018 - Inayawan, Cebu City
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