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Tuesday, 9 October 2012
Monday, 10 September 2012
Sambat Trust's Second Birthday Campaign for Ambulong Primary School
Event: Sambat Trust's Second Birthday Campaign for Ambulong Primary School
Target: £5.000: 970 children at Ambulong Primary School, Batangas, Philippines, can have a library filled with 2,000 children's books.
Raised so far: ￡695.00: 139 children.
JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/ambulongschool
Did you know we are celebrating our 2nd birthday this September? Sambat Trust became a registered charity in September 2010.
Thanks to you, over 2,700 children now have access to books and a functional school library in the Philippines.
To celebrate our 2nd birthday this September,we are raising funds to establish a school library at Ambulong Primary School, Batangas; a school with 970 children.
Our fundraising target is ￡5,000- so we can deliver 2,000 children's books to the school.
If you break this down, it costs just ￡5.16 to give each child at the school access to books and a functional school library.
Celebrate Sambat Trust's 2nd birthday! Go to www.justgiving.com/ambulongschool and donate just £5.00 to give a child at Ambulong Primary School access to books and a library.
Target: £5.000: 970 children at Ambulong Primary School, Batangas, Philippines, can have a library filled with 2,000 children's books.
Raised so far: ￡695.00: 139 children.
JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/ambulongschool
Did you know we are celebrating our 2nd birthday this September? Sambat Trust became a registered charity in September 2010.
Thanks to you, over 2,700 children now have access to books and a functional school library in the Philippines.
To celebrate our 2nd birthday this September,we are raising funds to establish a school library at Ambulong Primary School, Batangas; a school with 970 children.
Our fundraising target is ￡5,000- so we can deliver 2,000 children's books to the school.
If you break this down, it costs just ￡5.16 to give each child at the school access to books and a functional school library.
Celebrate Sambat Trust's 2nd birthday! Go to www.justgiving.com/ambulongschool and donate just £5.00 to give a child at Ambulong Primary School access to books and a library.
Friday, 7 September 2012
Highlights & Moments: The Trapiche ES Library Launching
The sun was bright. The temperature was warm enough to wake the bones up. After three days of torrential rains that submerged metro Manila, the weather turned on our side that Saturday morning August 11, 2012. Together with Cindy Bajema, photographer and documentarist, and award winning author, Rusell Molina, we headed south from Manila to Trapiche Elementary School in Tanuan, Batangas for the launching of the seventh school library of Sambat Trust.
Trapiche Elementary School is a high performing school in the district. For the past three years, it has placed in the top three of the district wide achievement test. Why then was it granted a school library when Sambat Trust prioritizes low performing schools for its school library development project? The school principal, Mrs. Felipa Gonzales, was driven to maintain Trapiche Elementary School's track record. In an interview with her last January 2011, she told us, "A school library will extend the learning of students and help teachers become better at their craft." After a year of developing and renovating a physical space for the library, complete with shelves, tables, chairs, curtains and ventilations, the Sambat Trust team went back to the school last March 2012 impressed with the school's progress.
With in three months, books were donated, bought and delivered to Trapiche Elementary School. Thanks to a donor who wished to be left unnamed, to Adarna House and Scholastic for facilitating a speedy delivery of books, the school community was excited to prepare for the library launching.
And what a wonderful launching it had been!
The teacher librarian assigned to man the library, Mrs. Mycel Alcantara, and the current principal, Mr. Lumbao planned for a well organized launch. They made sure that all stakeholders were involved and present that day: DepEd officials, members of TUPAD, a local non-government organization led by Con. Ark Buenaobra, Barangay officials led by Brgy. Cpt. Diego Motilla, parents and students. Being a Saturday it was well attended. The new school library was spruced up. The new mural still smelled of fresh paint. The Philippine flag in front of the library building danced and waved in the wind.
The Barangay officials, parent-teacher Association (PTA) officers and Principal Lumbao all accepted the new books. Their big smiles reveal not only gratitude, but sincere happiness at receiving new books that their children can use and read. Students held the books and sniffed the scent of paper. It was like opening gifts at Christmas morning. After the required photo shoot, a response were given by DepEd Supervisor, Josilyn Solina Ph D. She said, "We are grateful for organizations like Sambat Trust and TUPAD for helping us raise the reading interests and book awareness of students in Trapiche Elementary School. God bless Sambat Trust that may continue to establish more school libraries in the district!"
Her presence and encouraging message made Ms. Alcantara cry. She was touched by the support given to them by Dr. Solina. It is not every day that a superintendent is available to witness a meaningful event in a school.
After the program, everyone was invited to partake of the food prepared by the PTA and Barangay officials. It was akin to a fiesta where the whole community come together for fellowship. For guest author, Rusell Molina, it was a reunion with one of TUPAD's founding members, Gerald Hidalgo. These two go way back in college. Who would have thought they would meet, two decades after pursuing and participating in the same advocacy?
In Rusell Molina's session after brunch, audiences young and old were treated to magic and the words that can be used to make it happen. Mr. Molina did more than present and talk about his books and his craft. He showed children how to dream and inspired adults to keep on dreaming despite themselves. Indeed, one must be child like to care for children. To close the session, Darlyn Villanueva, a grade four student regaled the audience with a well rehearsed storytelling of a local folk story.
As for Sambat Trust, it will continue on its mission of helping scholars become better learners and learning communities become confident readers for life through its flagship scholars program and school library development project. Collaborative work with organizations like TUPAD, local government units, DepEd officers is an important recipe to realize the mission!
 |
| Photo taken last June 2012 with teachers and the two school leaders who gave their all out support for the project. Seated: Principal Gonzales (former school head of Trapiche ES) and Principal Lumbao (current school head of Trapiche ES) |
Trapiche Elementary School is a high performing school in the district. For the past three years, it has placed in the top three of the district wide achievement test. Why then was it granted a school library when Sambat Trust prioritizes low performing schools for its school library development project? The school principal, Mrs. Felipa Gonzales, was driven to maintain Trapiche Elementary School's track record. In an interview with her last January 2011, she told us, "A school library will extend the learning of students and help teachers become better at their craft." After a year of developing and renovating a physical space for the library, complete with shelves, tables, chairs, curtains and ventilations, the Sambat Trust team went back to the school last March 2012 impressed with the school's progress.
With in three months, books were donated, bought and delivered to Trapiche Elementary School. Thanks to a donor who wished to be left unnamed, to Adarna House and Scholastic for facilitating a speedy delivery of books, the school community was excited to prepare for the library launching.
 |
| The children were excited to enter the new school library. |
The teacher librarian assigned to man the library, Mrs. Mycel Alcantara, and the current principal, Mr. Lumbao planned for a well organized launch. They made sure that all stakeholders were involved and present that day: DepEd officials, members of TUPAD, a local non-government organization led by Con. Ark Buenaobra, Barangay officials led by Brgy. Cpt. Diego Motilla, parents and students. Being a Saturday it was well attended. The new school library was spruced up. The new mural still smelled of fresh paint. The Philippine flag in front of the library building danced and waved in the wind.
The Barangay officials, parent-teacher Association (PTA) officers and Principal Lumbao all accepted the new books. Their big smiles reveal not only gratitude, but sincere happiness at receiving new books that their children can use and read. Students held the books and sniffed the scent of paper. It was like opening gifts at Christmas morning. After the required photo shoot, a response were given by DepEd Supervisor, Josilyn Solina Ph D. She said, "We are grateful for organizations like Sambat Trust and TUPAD for helping us raise the reading interests and book awareness of students in Trapiche Elementary School. God bless Sambat Trust that may continue to establish more school libraries in the district!"
 |
| Mrs. Mycel Alcantara sheds tears of joy for the support give by the community during the launch of the school library. |
Her presence and encouraging message made Ms. Alcantara cry. She was touched by the support given to them by Dr. Solina. It is not every day that a superintendent is available to witness a meaningful event in a school.
After the program, everyone was invited to partake of the food prepared by the PTA and Barangay officials. It was akin to a fiesta where the whole community come together for fellowship. For guest author, Rusell Molina, it was a reunion with one of TUPAD's founding members, Gerald Hidalgo. These two go way back in college. Who would have thought they would meet, two decades after pursuing and participating in the same advocacy?
 |
| Russell Molina and Gearld Hidalgo of TUPAD, reunited after two decades. |
In Rusell Molina's session after brunch, audiences young and old were treated to magic and the words that can be used to make it happen. Mr. Molina did more than present and talk about his books and his craft. He showed children how to dream and inspired adults to keep on dreaming despite themselves. Indeed, one must be child like to care for children. To close the session, Darlyn Villanueva, a grade four student regaled the audience with a well rehearsed storytelling of a local folk story.
As for Sambat Trust, it will continue on its mission of helping scholars become better learners and learning communities become confident readers for life through its flagship scholars program and school library development project. Collaborative work with organizations like TUPAD, local government units, DepEd officers is an important recipe to realize the mission!
 |
| The kids and adults present in the launching loved Rusell Molina's sharing and presentation! |
Friday, 10 August 2012
Reading Clinician and Writer Cynthia Villafranca Meets Sambat Trust Scholars
On
July 29, reading clinician and writer Cynthia Villafranca met the Sambat Trust
scholars. She conducted extramural classes for two groups of scholars at the
Sambat Elementary School library.
Ms. Cynthia held a reading session for eleven elementary students for the morning session. She shared the story Miss Rumphius with them. It’s about how a girl was able to reach her dreams.
Ms. Cynthia asked the scholars to talk about their dreams, before reading them the story. Most of them wanted to become soldiers, policemen, nurses and teachers. They also shared their opinions on statements about what old people can do and how to find happiness.
The morning session ended with the scholars writing their own stories. They each thought of a story about achieving one’s dreams. They also shared their stories with their seatmates. The stories were then made into storybooks. They rewrote the story, drew illustrations and assembled the book. The scholars did not finish making their books but they were allowed to continue it at home.
Ms. Cynthia’s approach to the afternoon group was more serious since her audience was composed of high school and college students. Her main objective was to enlighten the scholars of their capacities for better learning and ways of achieving their goals.
For their first activity, the scholars answered short surveys about their learning styles (strengths and weaknesses), skills in organizing, prioritizing and accomplishing tasks, and possible ways for better learning. While discussing their answers, the scholars talked about their own personal experiences. Ms. Cynthia also gave a few tips to help them gradually eradicate some bad habits they mentioned.
Ms. Cynthia then asked the scholars to read two short readings regarding how intelligence is developed, and emphasized the importance of self awareness. According to her, “the more you know yourself, the easier for you to learn and study.”
Ms. Cynthia’s other objective was to gauge the capacities of the scholars – their communication and study skills – so she can make better plans to guide them in their future sessions.
One of her first impressions was many scholars had difficulty in comprehending, spelling out basic words and writing. She also noticed that few of the high school and college scholars have a routine for studying and accomplishing tasks.
Ms. Cynthia was able to glean insight about the scholars through these impressions. She will be using these to help the scholars achieve academically and reach their dreams.
By Michael Jude Tumamac. Michael Jude "MJ" Tumamac is a grade school teacher at the Raya School, a graduate of the UP College of Education, and a member of Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo (LIRA) and Kuwentista ng mga Tsikiting (Kuting).
Ms. Cynthia held a reading session for eleven elementary students for the morning session. She shared the story Miss Rumphius with them. It’s about how a girl was able to reach her dreams.
Ms. Cynthia asked the scholars to talk about their dreams, before reading them the story. Most of them wanted to become soldiers, policemen, nurses and teachers. They also shared their opinions on statements about what old people can do and how to find happiness.
The morning session ended with the scholars writing their own stories. They each thought of a story about achieving one’s dreams. They also shared their stories with their seatmates. The stories were then made into storybooks. They rewrote the story, drew illustrations and assembled the book. The scholars did not finish making their books but they were allowed to continue it at home.
Ms. Cynthia’s approach to the afternoon group was more serious since her audience was composed of high school and college students. Her main objective was to enlighten the scholars of their capacities for better learning and ways of achieving their goals.
For their first activity, the scholars answered short surveys about their learning styles (strengths and weaknesses), skills in organizing, prioritizing and accomplishing tasks, and possible ways for better learning. While discussing their answers, the scholars talked about their own personal experiences. Ms. Cynthia also gave a few tips to help them gradually eradicate some bad habits they mentioned.
Ms. Cynthia then asked the scholars to read two short readings regarding how intelligence is developed, and emphasized the importance of self awareness. According to her, “the more you know yourself, the easier for you to learn and study.”
Ms. Cynthia’s other objective was to gauge the capacities of the scholars – their communication and study skills – so she can make better plans to guide them in their future sessions.
One of her first impressions was many scholars had difficulty in comprehending, spelling out basic words and writing. She also noticed that few of the high school and college scholars have a routine for studying and accomplishing tasks.
Ms. Cynthia was able to glean insight about the scholars through these impressions. She will be using these to help the scholars achieve academically and reach their dreams.
Monday, 6 August 2012
Candy Gourlay Wins National Children's Book Award
Do you remember Candy Gourlay? The Filipino author who visited Pantay Bata Elementary School in February for the opening of our school library there. Her book, Tall Story, won in the Second National Children's Book Award Best Reads 2012!
Congratulations Candy! Congratulations to Cacho Publishing House for publishing a wonderful story and to Yasmin Ong, illustrator of the book! A great book is a product of teamwork!
We asked Candy for a short interview and a message to share to all our scholars, teachers, parents, donors and support group of Sambat Trust's scholarship and library development projects. Candy, you are an inspiration to us all!
How does it feel to win the National Children's Book Award?
I felt indescribably happy - how wonderful to be given an accolade at home. So grateful to the Philippine Board on Books for Young People and the National Book Development Board for setting up an award that will help enrich the literacy of generations.
I couldn't collect the award myself of course so I asked my mother to attend the ceremony which was on the Saturday after the Olympics Opening Ceremony.We stayed up late watching the Opening Ceremony, and I woke up late the next morning to the sound of my mobile phone going off. In fact it was a text message from my sister saying 'You won!' But I had to wait for about half an hour before any more text messages came my way because my mum was saying a few words on stage, and they were taking pictures.
I was especially thrilled that my mother got to receive the award. When we strive to achieve something, half of our striving (well, mine anyway) has to do with wanting to make one's parents proud. To have my mother go up on the stage in my behalf was a great big bonus.
What is the relevance of the book award to you as a writer?
I think book awards should not be perceived as competitions but celebrations of our culture. Awards set standards and build aspirations. This is how we nurture a literary future. Sure, it's a big YAY for the author - but most importantly for our young readers book awards shine a light on what can be.
Where to, after Tall Story?
I've spent the past three years working on my second book which hopefully will be out in January 2013. I have ambitions of writing books for younger children too and am working on some texts now while I wait for edits on my new book.
Can you please give a message to scholars, teachers and parents of Sambat Trust, especially to the community in Pantay Bata Elementary School whom you met last Feb?
To the scholars, teachers and parents of Sambat Trust, I was thrilled to visit Pantay Bata Elementary School last February, where I met a community determined to nurture a love of books in young people. The Trust sows the seeds of literacy by bringing books to a community - but it is only with the help of the community itself that these seeds can grow. I am encouraged and inspired to see the work you are doing, and I urge you to keep it up. You are making magic!
 |
| Candy opens Pantay Bata Elementary School Library |
We asked Candy for a short interview and a message to share to all our scholars, teachers, parents, donors and support group of Sambat Trust's scholarship and library development projects. Candy, you are an inspiration to us all!
 |
| The lady in pink is Mrs. Quimpo, Candy Gourlay's mom. |
I felt indescribably happy - how wonderful to be given an accolade at home. So grateful to the Philippine Board on Books for Young People and the National Book Development Board for setting up an award that will help enrich the literacy of generations.
I couldn't collect the award myself of course so I asked my mother to attend the ceremony which was on the Saturday after the Olympics Opening Ceremony.We stayed up late watching the Opening Ceremony, and I woke up late the next morning to the sound of my mobile phone going off. In fact it was a text message from my sister saying 'You won!' But I had to wait for about half an hour before any more text messages came my way because my mum was saying a few words on stage, and they were taking pictures.
I was especially thrilled that my mother got to receive the award. When we strive to achieve something, half of our striving (well, mine anyway) has to do with wanting to make one's parents proud. To have my mother go up on the stage in my behalf was a great big bonus.
What is the relevance of the book award to you as a writer?
I think book awards should not be perceived as competitions but celebrations of our culture. Awards set standards and build aspirations. This is how we nurture a literary future. Sure, it's a big YAY for the author - but most importantly for our young readers book awards shine a light on what can be.
 |
| Teacher Vic Villanueva reads the citation of Tall Story at the awards ceremony |
Where to, after Tall Story?
I've spent the past three years working on my second book which hopefully will be out in January 2013. I have ambitions of writing books for younger children too and am working on some texts now while I wait for edits on my new book.
Can you please give a message to scholars, teachers and parents of Sambat Trust, especially to the community in Pantay Bata Elementary School whom you met last Feb?
To the scholars, teachers and parents of Sambat Trust, I was thrilled to visit Pantay Bata Elementary School last February, where I met a community determined to nurture a love of books in young people. The Trust sows the seeds of literacy by bringing books to a community - but it is only with the help of the community itself that these seeds can grow. I am encouraged and inspired to see the work you are doing, and I urge you to keep it up. You are making magic!
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
Guest Blog from Photographer Cindy Bajema: My Experience with Sambat Trust
Freelance photographer Cindy Bajema read about Sambat Trust on the PhotoPhilanthropy website, a US-based organisation that connects nonprofits and photographers from around the world to drive social change. Below Cindy reflects on her experience with Sambat Trust so far.
In the spring of 2011 I knew I would be moving to the Philippines. I had been living in Bangalore, India for 3 ½ years and I had grown comfortable there. While I was not allowed to work in India under the conditions of my husband’s employment visa, I had found meaningful work to do anyway, offering photographic services to charities and NGOs throughout India. It was work that I believed in and it gave the added advantage of allowing me to see a side of India that most never experience. I loved it.
My concern in moving to the Philippines was that I did not have those connections that I had built up in India and I would be starting from scratch all over again. Luckily I was already connected to the PhotoPhilanthropy website and in May of 2011 I noticed that there was an organization called Sambat Trust, based in the Philippines, that was looking for a photographer. I quickly contacted Anthony of Sambat Trust and made arrangements to connect with the local representatives once I arrived in Manila.
That was over a year ago now and, of
course, by this time I have visited Sambat many times. I feel that I have not
only made connections here in the Philippines, but good friends as well. One of
my favorite experiences is when I get to photograph the students in the
libraries. As a photographer, you want to be able to get good portraits, which
is easy to do when surrounded by smiling, happy young people – but you also
want to be able to get the candid shots, which is done by getting your subjects
to feel so comfortable with you - that they can ignore you. Well, when the
students come to the library and I am there with my camera, they quickly grow
bored with me, as the books themselves are far more interesting! Seeing the
students surrounded by books and watching them become engrossed in a story or
learning about something new truly brings joy to my heart.
It has been my honor to photograph for Sambat Trust. I am very happy to support the good work that they do in improving the educational opportunities for students in the Philippines.
Maraming salamat po!
***
In the spring of 2011 I knew I would be moving to the Philippines. I had been living in Bangalore, India for 3 ½ years and I had grown comfortable there. While I was not allowed to work in India under the conditions of my husband’s employment visa, I had found meaningful work to do anyway, offering photographic services to charities and NGOs throughout India. It was work that I believed in and it gave the added advantage of allowing me to see a side of India that most never experience. I loved it.
My concern in moving to the Philippines was that I did not have those connections that I had built up in India and I would be starting from scratch all over again. Luckily I was already connected to the PhotoPhilanthropy website and in May of 2011 I noticed that there was an organization called Sambat Trust, based in the Philippines, that was looking for a photographer. I quickly contacted Anthony of Sambat Trust and made arrangements to connect with the local representatives once I arrived in Manila.
 |
A Pantay Bata student gets his hand stamped by children's author Candy Quimpo Gourlay. It reads, "I met an author today!"
|
It has been my honor to photograph for Sambat Trust. I am very happy to support the good work that they do in improving the educational opportunities for students in the Philippines.
Maraming salamat po!
Monday, 30 July 2012
Sambat Trust's Response to the K-12 Curriculum
It has been two months, more or less, since school started in the Philippines. Many young scholars of Sambat Trust welcomed the school year with happy expectations and nervous excitement at the onset of another academic journey. Their parents, however, were anxious of the new program and the change in curriculum which the Department of Education (DepEd) set in place for academic year 2012-2013. This new program is known in the country as the K-12 curriculum.
A brain child of the current presidency, the DepEd Secretary, Bro. Armin Luistro leaped in action to form conveners to formulate the K-12 curriculum of the basic education level. For many average working class parents, they viewed the new program as burden to the budget. The program entailed the provision of two more years of the education their child. This meant additional cost for food, transportation, tuition fees, uniforms and daily expenses. To some, being anxious about the K-12 curriculum is petty and shallow. Education in the country badly needs reform and a revised curricular program that uses the spiralling up approach in the teaching of content and concepts are rooted in local knowledge is the key to developing Filipino children who will become lifelong learners. Then again, for K-12 to succeed, many factors come into play like teacher training, middle level management of the program and the change from old to new curriculum, production of resources and instructional materials, provision for learning spaces and environment to mention a few.
The K-12 curriculum is indeed, a big pie. It has to be sliced in pieces to digest it. In the last K-12 seminar I attended, the lead conveners, Dr. Edizon Fermin and DepEd Director Paraluman Giron both encouraged everyone to support the K-12 curriculum.
It takes a village to raise a child. So goes the African proverb. As a response, Sambat Trust gathers its strength, resources and support from local community and abroad to help the scholars and the school library project stay afloat in the midst of educational reforms and changes.
Before school ended last March, MJ Tumamac, this blog's resident writer, gave a workshop on writing stories to teachers from sponsored schools of Sambat Trust. A week before school began in June, I gave a hands-on workshop for first day of school activities to the same group of teachers. In July, Trapiche Elementary School has a new school library. We are preparing for its launching to the community this coming August. Our field coordinator, Wilma de Rojas has been very busy establishing a group of scholars to study together and help the younger ones.
By continuing to monitor the school libraries in the seven schools in Tanauan and the assistance given to scholars, from financial to personal aspects like giving advice and offering a space for reading and learning, scholars of Sambat Trust stand a chance in adapting to the change brought about by the K-12 curriculum.
A brain child of the current presidency, the DepEd Secretary, Bro. Armin Luistro leaped in action to form conveners to formulate the K-12 curriculum of the basic education level. For many average working class parents, they viewed the new program as burden to the budget. The program entailed the provision of two more years of the education their child. This meant additional cost for food, transportation, tuition fees, uniforms and daily expenses. To some, being anxious about the K-12 curriculum is petty and shallow. Education in the country badly needs reform and a revised curricular program that uses the spiralling up approach in the teaching of content and concepts are rooted in local knowledge is the key to developing Filipino children who will become lifelong learners. Then again, for K-12 to succeed, many factors come into play like teacher training, middle level management of the program and the change from old to new curriculum, production of resources and instructional materials, provision for learning spaces and environment to mention a few.
 |
| MJ Tumamac conducts writing workshop for teachers. |
It takes a village to raise a child. So goes the African proverb. As a response, Sambat Trust gathers its strength, resources and support from local community and abroad to help the scholars and the school library project stay afloat in the midst of educational reforms and changes.
Before school ended last March, MJ Tumamac, this blog's resident writer, gave a workshop on writing stories to teachers from sponsored schools of Sambat Trust. A week before school began in June, I gave a hands-on workshop for first day of school activities to the same group of teachers. In July, Trapiche Elementary School has a new school library. We are preparing for its launching to the community this coming August. Our field coordinator, Wilma de Rojas has been very busy establishing a group of scholars to study together and help the younger ones.
 |
| Teachers of Trapiche Elementary School prepare the school library for school opening last June 2012. |
Sunday, 29 July 2012
Learning from ASEAN Friends (Part 2)
Here's Day 2 of my experience in the Conference in Reading at TK Park Bangkok, Thailand.
Day 2 of the TK Park Conference on Reading commenced last July 13, 2012, Friday at the Queen Sirikit National Convention. The day's program was as insightful and inspirational as the Day 1 with three speakers and a panel that ended the successful conference.
The morning session had Dr. Amorn Nakontharp and Dr. Banjalug Namfa speak of 21st century learning. Dr. Amorn focused his talk on teachers and the demands of sound pedagogy that is applicable for learning and living in the 21st century. He emphasized the new skills that students need to develop to succeed in teh 21st century, but also, staying true in practice of the basic reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. His message to parents, teachers and school librarians: Play games with your children; tell stories to them; engage them in conversation; listen and see how your children think and process information.
 | |||
| With Asarin and Tuktak of TK Park who both took care of me |
I have always known the ASEAN as an organization of Southeast Asian nations that discuss political, economic and social development in the region. To hear Dr. Banjalug talk about the five principles of the ASEAN made me realize that the organization is deeply concerned with the development of its people towards the future of the region. The five principles are:
1. Knowing ASEAN.
2. Valuing Identity & Diversity.
3. Connecting local and global.
4. Promoting Equality and Justice.
5. Working together for a sustainable future.
 |
| Speakers and TK Park staff all together in this photo at the end of the conference |
That is why, in the panel, one topic tackled the empowerment of children
for the ASEAN future. The five of us speakers pointed out the relevance
of family and community in raising children grow in their potentials.
Many best practices in reading and literacy development had been
presented and these are examples of projects that support families in
rearing children who are aware of their culture, history, nationality
and tolerant of other peoples. Mr. Chan Soo Ahn, director of Citizen
Action for Reading Culture in Korea is involved library development to
promote peace and understanding. A non-government organization, Citizen
Action for Reading Culture has established ten libraries with one new
library in the process of establishment.
 |
| With a new friend, Zubaidah Mohsen of Singapore, National Library |
The TK Park Conference on Reading 2012, had been a success as it achieved its objectives. But, to truly empower children for the ASEAN future, continuous re-evaluation of paradigms and practices in education, knowledge creation, library systems and structures need to take place in the Southeast Asian countries. I am starting with my own family, my children, in making them realize that unique as they are, they are not alone in the world. There are so many things to learn from others that if they seclude themselves in their own circle, they will become stagnant and their knowledge, stale. As I said in the panel as my closing remark, it is important that we all become lifelong learners. Lifelong learning is not merely a set of skills but a philosophy.
Saturday, 28 July 2012
Learning from ASEAN Friends (Part 1)
I was in Bangkok, Thailand for the TK Park Conference on Reading from July 12 -13, 2012. I had fun learning with friends from the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). The experience made me see how different people are and yet, how amazingly we are all connected in the fabric of humanity. I am re-posting my Day 1 experience of the conference here. This re-post is taken from my blog, School Librarian in Action.Day 1 of the TK Park Conference started with a keynote speech and welcome address of Dr. Tatsanai Wongpisetkul and Mr. Songsak Premsuk, Chair of the Office of Knowledge Management and Development in Thailand (OKMD). The OKMD is the governing department of TK Park. As explained by Dr. Wongpisetkul, TK Park is not a library, but a prototype knowledge management center for regional TK Parks in the regions of Thailand. As of to date, there are six TK Parks in the country and monitoring is only one aspect of TK Park's job. The staff of TK Park undergo constant research and development to improve the creation of knowledge and services it provides the public. For five years, it has been an uphill climb for them.
The medium of instruction in the conference are Thai and English. We were all given translators we attached on our ears to listen to the English translations for Thai speeches. This was the same for Thais who needed to hear our English speeches in their mother tongue. All in all, there were five speakers: myself, Zu Mohsen (Singapore), Shu Binti Haji (Malaysia), Sothik Hok (Cambodia) and Chan-soo Ahn (Korea). Except for Mr. Ahn, we four have delivered our paper and project presentations today.
I was the first to speak on the Role of School Libraries and Librarians in the Digital Age. I had the audience listen up the moment I showed a photo of my first library card and the story behind it. It has never failed me, that story. I then moved on to the flow of my presentation and in one hour, I was done. Thai Radio requested for an interview to which I graciously obliged.
The presentations that followed were library and reading projects in Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia.
In Singapore, the National Library has a project called Born to Read, Read to Bond. This is a project that provides parents with Reading Kits and equip them with skills in reading to their children through talks and workshops. Malaysia has a similar project known as Every Baby a Book. What makes this different is the production of one specific cloth book and parents' guide in using the book for their baby. Since then, many parents in Penang, Malaysia availed of library cards. Indeed the love of reading begins at home and parents are the first to model the reading habit. A nation of readers begin in the family, the smallest unit of society. I am amazed and impressed at the daring and passionate ways in which the public librarians in Malaysia and Singapore spearhead the reading culture in the family through a library program.
Tomorrow will be Day 2 of the conference where three more papers are up for presentations. In the afternoon, I will join a panel to discuss these questions: What would be the characteristics of children for ASEAN future? How can we build them? Do they think children in ASEAN countries today are smarter (because they grow up in the digital age)? Do you have any concern that the reading is on the decline among children because of the Internet - Wikipedia, Google etc.?
Thursday, 12 July 2012
Meet Chris. He's an Ironman!
Do you remember last month we featured Chris Lewis as he trained for Ironman France?
Well, it's official: He is now an Ironman! Way to go, Chris!
Here's what Chris says about the day:
"I managed to complete the course in 14 hours. The swim was lovely, although a physical challenge over the first 300 meters as the 2,500 competitors competed for space as we ran into the sea off the beach. The 7 hour bike ride seemed to go uphill forever, but the views over the Mediterranean were stunning and took our minds off the rising heat; the last 50km were downhill and a welcome rest. I was feeling fresh as I changed over from the bike to the run, but within an hour I had developed blisters on my feet. I had to change from a run to a "shuffle", which took its toll on my legs and my time. I completed the marathon in 5hrs15mins to become an Ironman. What a day! I recommend the experience to everyone.
I'm pleased to have raised funds for Sambat. With some sponsorship still coming in, I look forward to following Sambat's work in the future."
You can congratulate Chris. Donate to his JustGiving page here.
Well, it's official: He is now an Ironman! Way to go, Chris!
 |
| Chris has raised a remarkable ￡1,299.00 for Sambat Trust |
"I managed to complete the course in 14 hours. The swim was lovely, although a physical challenge over the first 300 meters as the 2,500 competitors competed for space as we ran into the sea off the beach. The 7 hour bike ride seemed to go uphill forever, but the views over the Mediterranean were stunning and took our minds off the rising heat; the last 50km were downhill and a welcome rest. I was feeling fresh as I changed over from the bike to the run, but within an hour I had developed blisters on my feet. I had to change from a run to a "shuffle", which took its toll on my legs and my time. I completed the marathon in 5hrs15mins to become an Ironman. What a day! I recommend the experience to everyone.
I'm pleased to have raised funds for Sambat. With some sponsorship still coming in, I look forward to following Sambat's work in the future."
You can congratulate Chris. Donate to his JustGiving page here.
Saturday, 7 July 2012
Monday, 2 July 2012
Why Tanja is Running Leeds 10K
Event: Jane Tomlinson's Leeds 10K
Date: 8th July
Target: ￡400.00
Raised so far:￡295.00
Link: Tanja's JustGiving page
2. How did you hear of Sambat Trust?
Sambat Trust came up on my search results on JustGiving- and I decided to do some research on your work. I was very happy with what I saw!
though.
Dream big, but ensure that you set yourself realistic and achievable challenges. As with all challenges, not only do you have to prepare your body, but you have to prepare your mind as well. Your worst enemy lives in your head after all. It helps knowing you’re doing this for a very worthy cause. You will be putting books in the hands of a community and their children.
Your legs are not giving out.
Your head is giving up.
Keep going.
-Anonymous
Date: 8th July
Target: ￡400.00
Raised so far:￡295.00
Link: Tanja's JustGiving page
Jane Tomlinson’s Leeds 10K is named after
the amateur English athlete who raised ￡1.85 million for
charity, despite suffering from terminal cancer. We are thrilled that Tanja
Carol Alcala Lichtensteiger will be one of the 11,000 competitors in this year’s
event, running to raise money for Sambat Trust.
 |
| Tanja hiking up Blencathra, Lake District, England
|
1. Tanja, what inspired you
to fundraise for children's education in the Philippines?
I'm half Filipina, so I really wanted to
help a charity which is making a difference in my beautiful country. Having
grown up in the Philippines, I'm acutely aware of the economic hurdles that
keep people in poverty: children unable to go to school because they have to
help their parents with the rice harvest or earn a living for their family by
other means. My school run in Manila would often pass by deprived areas and
seeing a child beg on the street, when he should be heading to school as I was,
was not an uncommon sight.
It has been 14 years since I lived in the
Philippines, having moved to Switzerland in my teenage years and then the
United Kingdom in my early twenties. I have never forgotten the experiences
that shaped me and made me appreciate every blessing I have received.
While growing up in the Philippines, I spent
most of my weekends at my family’s province, Sariaya, Quezon, to enjoy the
beautiful beaches it has to offer. We often passed by Taal Lake on the journey
and went to the palengke (market) in Santo Tomas, which isn't far from Sambat!
I still go home to the Philippines at least once a year and follow this route
on my way to Quezon- so I'm more than happy to support a charity working on the
ground level of an area I know.
2. How did you hear of Sambat Trust?
Sambat Trust came up on my search results on JustGiving- and I decided to do some research on your work. I was very happy with what I saw!
 |
| The beautiful waters of Tayabas Bay, Sariaya, Quezon, Philippines.
|
3. Is this your first charity run?
Yes, this will be my first for charity- so I wanted it to be special. I have a feeling it won't be my last
4. So how's your training
going?
I’m more of a swimmer than a runner, but my regular
weekly runs have upped to between 6 - 8k. And according to my runkeeper, my pace is increasing. I’ve successfully run a
10k on my own a few times now and know it’s certainly achievable!
5. Any advice for our
readers who are thinking to start their own JustGiving fundraising event for
Sambat Trust?
Dream big, but ensure that you set yourself realistic and achievable challenges. As with all challenges, not only do you have to prepare your body, but you have to prepare your mind as well. Your worst enemy lives in your head after all. It helps knowing you’re doing this for a very worthy cause. You will be putting books in the hands of a community and their children.
And to any runners, this is for you:
Your legs are not giving out.
Your head is giving up.
Keep going.
-Anonymous
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