By Angie Driskell
HAPI Jr. Ambassador

HAPI Jr.’s Springtime series of events continued to bloom last April 18 in Brgy. Alabang, Muntinlupa along with the HAPI Kids – Nutrition Camp. This was the first time the children were asked to sit in a sharing circle and talk about things that interested them and their hobbies. They also shared their dreams and future goals. This allowed us to learn more about them on a more personal level, which in turn will help us to plan and implement programs that will help foster those goals. 

After the sharing session, the children were served a healthy and delicious lunch consisting of rice and a fresh mixed vegetable dish. Due to the lack of ample seating and shade, the children were asked to take their filled lunchboxes home so they could eat their lunch comfortably. 

It is the intent of HAPI Jr. to follow up on this Springtime event with more educational programs focusing on career information, character development, and possibly setting up a small reading room so the children can read in their free time.

We often plan events for the children and focus on healthy food as well as lectures, but we forget to stop and listen to the children and hear what they hold in their hearts. We should not forget to also teach children how to use their voices and show them how to make those dreams they don’t always discuss become a reality.