When I started HAPI in December 2013, I have envisioned to adopt a small community whereby secularism, humanism, logic and reason will be taught. This vision is coming to fruition. I have done my part. I expect this vision to continue, and for exponential growth. That is how we spread the “word”.
Of course, it did not come handy. We have to interview the community leaders who have applied. Our strategy was to do bimonthly feeding to attract the kids. Long story short, we called them HAPI kids in HAPI Nutricamp and HAPI Hearts and Minds. This strategy worked, we were able to get the Alabang community with approximately 200 kids, including 30 grown-up volunteers lead by Jamie del Rosario Martinez. This group, however, grows to 500-1000 kids depending on the occasion like Christmas and special events. A few months ago, we have injected the art of reasoning and ethical values via the Lyceum Debate Society . This is what I am talking about. More pictures here : https://www.facebook.com/Hapi.Kids.Nutrition.Campaign/photos/
Jahziel Ferrer, AED, has also been busy with her HAPI Literacy group in Alabang, teaching very young kids to read and write, such a daunting task for a gown up.
Another plan for education is Jean Tapao’s summer school, to be done on her specific area in Quezon City. She intends to teach kids for their summer break for free, her contribution and donation to humanity.
We want to replicate the above strategy in Cebu though the HAPI-Compre lead by their teachers, Alain and Arlene. The Cebu team will also facilitate these sessions via incentives of gift giving and feeding. Planning is on board, the syllabus is expected to be incorporated in their school.
Meanwhile in Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Rayd Espeja will also restart the Mandalagan High School event in organic gardening and climate school, an environmental humanism avenue.
The syllabus utilized for this was an educational tool made by the Grand Chancellor of Lyceum of the Philippines Debate Society with the help of 6 teachers. We will use that syllabus for consistency and to determine if our learning sessions have been effective via surveys and role plays.
“You’re always welcome, Ma’am. Thank you rin po sa opportunity. It was an eye opener to all of us po. We are inspired by the kids.” by Meive Pasco Alas, Grand Chancellor Lyceum Debate Society.
As a visionary, of “catching ’em young, for exponential growth, I hope my legacy will continue. The next generations to come will be more keen on critical thinking, reasoning and ethical values. I firmly believe, that the next generations will prefer computers to bibles. I call it “Grassroots movement for a secular school.”
I may no longer be here anymore when the trees planted 2 years ago, will bear fruits of wisdom. That is our legacy. We are in this together.
I am scheduled to leave as a Chairperson of HAPI in January, 2017. I will become the first HAPI Emeritus Chairwoman. However you call it, I am still connected with HAPI, but will no longer be active. I will travel the world with my very patient and generous beloved husband, so I will still be busy, thinking that I have contributed to humanity specifically in the Philippines.
I hope you all take care of what I have started, and continue my legacy.
