A Family Tradition of Giving Continues
Volunteers journeyed to Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, to spend time with the children at Turod Elementary School early in the week. A second visit to the school was marked by a special celebration that involved the entire school community and local residents. This event was made even more meaningful with the participation of the Peralta and Fines families, who are descendants of Dionisio Fines—the generous donor of the land on which the school stands. The Peralta and Fines families kindly provided a complimentary meal for all the students and thoughtfully distributed over 200 books to encourage a love of reading. Catherine, the great-great-granddaughter of Dionisio Fines, traveled all the way from Hawaii with the purpose of giving back to the community and deepening her connection to her family heritage. GO! READ Turod Elementary
San Esteban Elementary
Volunteers traveled all the way to Brenda’s hometown of San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, to visit San Esteban Elementary School, where Brenda had last attended as a 2nd grader. Returning after so many years away was a very different experience from what Brenda could remember from her childhood. Despite the long absence, she was warmly embraced by the school’s administrators, teachers, and students alike. This unexpected yet heartfelt welcome was a touching surprise for Brenda, making the visit even more meaningful. Adding to the joy, Brenda was able to meet some distant cousins for the very first time, making it a truly special and memorable day. During their visit, Brenda, Catherine, and Liz took the time to read stories to the children and generously donated 100 books to the school’s library. GO! READ San Esteban Elementary!
BABALASIOAN - PHILIPPINES
Thank you to our volunteer Kevin for delivering books to kids at Babalasioan Elementary School, Sta Maria, Ilocos Sur. GO! READ
MARSHALL ISLAND CHILDREN
The Marshall Islands children received over 1,000 new books. We were honored to meet up with Ambassador Zackios in Washington DC and Consul General Neijon Edwards in Honolulu. GO! READ RMI
The Marshall Islands is composed of coral islands, atolls and over 800 reefs in the Pacific Ocean that are located between Hawaii and Papua New Guinea. The largest population of Marshallese live in Hawaii and Arkansas.
TUROD- Philippines
Our final distribution was to Turod EL to Grades K, 1 and 2. Turod EL is a special school located right in our hometown. We read to each class. The teachers each received a small frame as a token of our appreciation. Each school we visited will plan to start a library so that Ohana100 can help in building it. Each teacher also received a small frame.
Thank you to our Turod family for all your support and for being part of our Ohana100 Team. GO! READ Turod EL
BULANOS- Philippines
All children at Bulanos EL Grades K, 1 and 2 received books. Bulanos is considered the poorest barangay in Narvacan. It is about 1/2 away from Turod. The school is situated adjacent to barangay Turod, so 2-3 minutes ride only. Same experience, every kid was very excited and you could see their happy faces.
It's so nice to be able to give to kids in this area. We see the need and know how important it is to make these connections in the community. Thank you to our Ohana100 Team in Turod- Kevin, Kenneth, Aienne and all of our Ohana in Turod for making the trip up the mountain for Bulanos kids. GO! READ Bulanos EL
BANGLAYAN- Philippines
At 8:30 am yesterday, we went to Banglayan EL to distribute books to children in Grades K, 1 and 2. Approximately 20 to 30 minutes from the town center and can be travelled by riding either any vehicle but the challenge is the roads are too narrow that only smaller vehicles are used. This place is mountainous- it has uphills and downhills. The school is located on top of a small mountain so you can just imagine how high the school is. The challenge for some students are that some start walking to school at 5am because their house is located on top of another mountain or located across the river that they have to cross such river everyday.
The kids were amazing. They were behaved well during the distribution and they were so eager to look what is inside the books. In fact, when were going home some ran after us to give us hugs. They were very grateful. It is wonderful to see all the smiles of the kids at Banglayan EL. We hope you enjoy reading!
Thank you to our Ohana100 Team for taking time out of your schedule to make sure that the Banglayan EL Kids get their books. Mabuhay! GO! READ Banglayan EL
TUROD Celebrates Teachers & Ohana100
It was early Christmas for kids at Turod Elementary School on October 10, 2016. It was a day to Celebrate Teachers and Ohana 100 Book Givings. Students, faculty and parents gathered for this special celebration. Turod is located in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines.
There was a drawing contest and several students won prizes donated by Aunty Rexy and Aunty Ruth. Thank you to Uncle Herming & Aunty Remy Fines and all other cousins who helped out at this event.
Many thanks to Kevin and Kenneth Fines who worked very hard with elementary school staff to coordinate this amazing day! GO! READ Turod
TARLAC - Philippines
Gerona North Central Elementary in the province of Tarlac, located in the Central Luzon region received books from Ohana100. Special thanks to Nilda Quintara and friends who traveled far to help the Tarlac Community. The kids were very excited to get their very own book. GO! READ Gerona North
Books For Costa Rica
Meaningful Acts of Kindness extended to kids in COSTA RICA, "THANKS to volunteers Michael B., Matthew B. and Catherine S." They participated in an Introduction to Medicine- 12 day Adventure in Costa Rica with the Broadreach Program. They shadowed professionals at the FIMRC and provided support to the disadvantaged, especially the children. At the end of their service, they gifted books to children at the clinic. Great Job! GO! READ Costa Rica
MURALEANDO - Cuba
We made our first International donation of books to Muraleando, a Community Art Center after school program located in Havana, Cuba that services over 100 children. The books are gifts for the children to take home and will help build their library. Founder Manuel Diaz Baldrich expressed a deep appreciation of the gift for the children in his community. Professor Yoan Hechevarria and student Barbara received the books on behalf of the entire program. IR! LEER (GO! READ) Muraleando http://www.havanastreetart.com/muraleando
KDWT Ambassador Catherine helped to distribute books and shared the joy of reading with her new friend Barbara. Filled with excitement, Barbara said that Corduroy was her favorite book and she was very happy that the book was in both Spanish and English.
Books For Sierra Leone
"Books are heading to Sierra Leone in the next month," according to Andrew T. - Coordinator with Let them LOL. He received books from KDWT Volunteer Catherine. In addition to books, third graders from Westminster Charter School rallied to make book marks. It was a fun and special activity for the kids to do. GO! READ Sierra Leone
