In response to the difficulties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rotaract Club of Batangas Metro Pioneers launched the “RAC TLC: BMP ADOPT A COMMUNITY” project, on December 30, 2021. This project consists of five programs, which have a positive impact on the beneficiaries, who are the children and families from the adopted community- Brgy. San Isidro, Batangas City.
First, RAC: Read and Care for Batang Juan, which aims to improve their literacy, is conducted. A Zumba session, three games, a reading session, a question-and-answer portion, and the distribution of school supplies, was done for the 30 children who are the beneficiaries of this project. It has been approximately two years since they attended an in-person class, which is why they need more opportunities to improve their literacy. The given reading materials can be reused and reproduced, and they can use the school supplies provided. The benefits of this project remain with the children for a long time.
Then, In Her Shoes: Young Girls Path Towards Empowerment, which encourages children to believe in themselves, was fulfilled. Five empowered women particularly, Hidilyn Diaz, Catriona Gray, Sarah Geronimo, Lea Salonga, and Leni Robredo, were showcased. Consequently, the children were requested to write their dream in a paper where “#IAmEMPOWERED” is written. Some wanted to become a policeman, a doctor, a chef, a teacher, and a firefighter.
For the afternoon session, the target beneficiaries are families. Mother Knows Best: Maternal and Child Health Seminar is conducted first. All the 31 participating rotaractors distributed leaflets before proceeding with the discussion. It allows the beneficiaries to review the material even after the seminar. Rotaractors also facilitated a group activity, which led the 35 beneficiaries to actively engage throughout the programs.
Afterward, Balangay: On Promoting Peace and Resolution within Families, a seminar that aims to raise awareness regarding domestic violence, was concluded. In this activity, the beneficiaries were given leaflets before the discussion proper. It encouraged them to follow the flow and review the topics after. The “Pinoy-Henyo” game is their activity. Then, the rotaractors approached every beneficiary and invited them to share their concerns.
Lastly, RAC-AMPAMILYA PROJECT: A Workshop on Livelihood Projects, a way to contribute to their financial stability, took place. The distribution of leaflets, the discussion about proper costing, and the open forum are accomplished, respectively. An interactive sharing of knowledge happened during the open forum. Then, the beneficiaries were divided into groups of four, and the materials needed to produce the dishwashing liquid were provided. Rotaractors guided each group to ensure that all the groups follow the step-by-step procedure presented. Following that dishwashing-liquid making are the distribution of the Noche Buena Package and the community assessment. Rotaractors approached every beneficiary to know the issues and other necessities that the residents from the adopted community have.
Through the experiences of Rotaract Club of Batangas Metro Pioneers from the making to implementing this sustainable project, the significance of maintaining the quality and value of service for the beneficiaries is further established.
