FACES: GALLERY
ROTARY PORTRAITS
FACES Helping Ensure a Brighter Future
L
iteracy is one serious humanitarian need that Rotary International has been addressing through its initiated literacy programs in different Rotary districts worldwide. In the Philippines, clubs like RC Loyola Heights (D3780) and RC Metro Manila GEMS (3800) pursue the campaign against illiteracy to help new generations achieve a brighter tomorrow. For 10 years, RC Loyola Heights (RCLH) has been conducting its literacy program dubbed as CHEERS (Children’s Early Education and Reinforcement of Social Behavior) in partnership with Miriam College and Franciscan Missionaries / CFC Sibol. This club’s signature program aims to provide pre-school pupils in depressed areas basic literacy, numeracy, and social skills to prepare them for entering the formal school system. The program operates in two sites in Loyola Heights and Brookside Rotary International Village in Bagong Silangan, Quezon City. Under CHEERS, RCLH provides class venue, school supplies and uniforms, and snacks for the students. Brookside CHEERS teachers also receive salary and lodging in a housing unit built by the club for them. Top graduates of the CHEERS Loyola receive
RCLH CHEER S
graduation pr og
ram
scholarships from Miriam College Child Development Center while CHEERS Brookside honorees get scholarships from Sienna school system. The RCLH receives direct funding from international partners Rotary Club of Salem, Virginia, USA, District 7570 for the CHEERS Loyola and the Rotary Club of Matilda Bay, Australia, District 9455 for the CHEERS Brookside. Meanwhile, RC Metro Manila GEMS distributes reference materials and nutritious food to pupils of various schools in Muntinlupa Palm Size Learner equipment to the special students of Payatas B Elementary school which will be of great help for the students in improving their English comprehension and communications skills. The club also conducts feeding program for the pupils to help them get proper nutrition to help them in school performance On the other hand, RC Metro Manila GEMS donates books and conduct feeding programs in various schools through their literacy program. Recently, the club donated reference materials to Muntinlupa Elementary School and provided Palm Size Learner equipment to of Payatas B Elementary School SPED Department that will help the students learn more efficiently. – PDS Jesse Tanchanco Jr. and Rtn. Metro Manila GEM Rotarians Cristina Callejo donate books to Lungsod
ng Muntinlupa Elementary School Philippine Rotary • September 2012
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