Close to 220 grade school children enrolled in two elementary public schools in the town of Sibulan received brand new pairs of black shoes as the Rotary Club of Dumaguete South celebrated the new year of Rotary International on July 1st.
Pupils from Looc Elementary School in Sibulan, and also from Agan-an Elementary School beside the airport runway were lucky beneficiaries of black shoes donated by the SM Foundation Inc., and distributed through the Department of Education-Division of Negros Oriental.
In his story-telling to the children during the program, DepEd-Negros Oriental Schools Division Supt. Dr. Neri Ojastro likened the Rotary Club of Dumaguete South to a village that helped make nutritious soup from a mere “magic” pebble, which eventually turned out to be delicious because of the volunteer services of the people.
He said because of the vision and compassion of the Rotarians of Dumaguete South, the elementary school pupils are motivated and encouraged to start the school year, with their new shoes.
“This is a manifestation that there are people like the Rotary Club of Dumaguete South who are concerned over the well-being of the children, and are expressing their concern for the future of our children.”
Also with Dr. Ojastro was Education Program Specialist Dr. Regina Empeso.
According to RCDS Vice President Jeorex Chua, the Club is happy to be working with SM Foundation and Deped in providing assistance to children, especially as it marks the new year of Rotary International that begins in July.
The first round of donations was done at Looc Elementary School perched on top of a hill, where everyone had to climb 87 steps. On the hilltop school, the teachers and pupils welcomed the visitors with performances and snacks.
For the second round of donations, teachers and pupils from Agan-an Elementary School also welcomed the Rotarians and DepEd officials at their flower-lined covered court.
Alex Rey Pal, this Rotary Year’s president of the RC Dumaguete South, said the Rotarians took off to a good start with the shoe distribution activity. “This year’s theme is Create Hope in the World, and I am certain that somehow hope was planted in the hearts of the children.” (Keigh Dano and Regina Lleno/SU Masscom interns)
