Give Children Hope - Using donors’ dollars exclusively to feed hungry children in their schools.

Happy New Years

2012-01-04T08:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Sponsors,

Happy New Year to all of you and to your wonderful families. We hope that you've had a wonderful New Year's celebration. Ours was a blast with all the fireworks and all the people so happy.

We are all excited for this New Year, especially for all the possible advancements that we could do for the Meals at School Program of Give Children Hope. Our 2011 was so good and so blessed. With your help, we have fed the students in Sua Elementary School in Camarines Sur, as well as in Pototan Elementary School in Iloilo. That is about 600 children that are being fed on a daily basis! I had the opportunity to attend the feeding in Camarines Sur and it was really a heartwarming experience. I find it wonderful that the parents are so hands-on in doing their voluntary work for their children.

They know these feedings have been a blessing in their children's life and that it is possible to provide good meals for their children with your sponsorship donations to help them. Their children are being fed with different healthy meals everyday and there have been positive results considering their weight gain and their happy attitude. I love to see those children so happy and I know that it would melt your heart too.

We are looking forward to a happy 2012 with you and with the children. You can see updates on our facebook account and our Give Children Hope website. Your continued support will continue to feed these children in Sua Elementary Schools and in Pototan Elementary School. We hope that we can give them a very wonderful 2012.
The goal of Give Children Hope will never be materialized without the help of the good people like you. We know that we are helping the lives of these children and that motivates us to continue our efforts.

Thank you for all the work that you do for these children. May you continue to be blessed with all the things necessary for you and our family. We love you!

For the sponsored children,
Kristina Lou Sunico

Thank You

2011-12-25T14:23:00.003-08:00

Dear Sponsors and Friends,

Thank you so much for your gifts to Give Children Hope this year. With your love and financial support, Give Children Hope has had a truly remarkable year.

Never before has any child sponsorship organization, anywhere, done so much to help further the cause of children devastated by hunger and poverty.

During the year 2011:

- Give Children Hope served daily meals to over 700 elementary school children living in some of the most devastated areas of the world

-During the year a total of more than 140,000 meals were served to these impoverished children through our Meals at School program.

You have blessed the lives of these children with your gifts to them.

In behalf of your sponsored children and us at Give Children Hope, we wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Don Cooper,
Give Children Hope,

Chief Operations Officer

Family Day at Sua Elementary School

2011-12-16T14:08:00.000-08:00

December 15th, 2011 marked the day of celebration for the student's families. We are so happy that the families were able to meet together and enjoy themselves this special day. There was great food available, presents for those attending, and a great production put on by the talented children and their families. Happy Family Day Sua Elementary School!

2nd Place Winners of the Family Singing Contest

The set up for the show

Showing their Appreciation

Getting the presents ready for the families

Musical Contest

Great dancing performances

Merry Christmas

2011-12-16T13:51:00.000-08:00

Dear Sponsors,

Time has gone so fast and we are now on our last month for this year. How is your country and families preparing for the coming Christmas?

Our families are blessed by your kind and loving hearts. The Meals at School Program continues to feed the children at Maravilla and Sua Schools We see a lot of noticeable changes in terms of the children’s physical appearance and their study habits. Many parents notice that their children have gained weight that makes them look a lot better than their previous frail looks.

Philippines is now so busy with all the Christmas bazaars, lights, Christmas caroling, and all the traditional things that we usually do as the Christmas day approaches. We love this feeling, no matter how busy everyone may be. This is because they are preparing for this season to be celebrated with their families. It is really wonderful when families are together.

The children have been very excited to go to school and they study their lessons well, since hunger is no longer a worry for them. The parents want to send their messages to all of you that you are saving their children from hunger. They want so much to thank you in person. Here's a short note of thanks from Helen Grace, Meals at School coordinator, by two of the mothers with children at Sua School:

Norma Buena approached me and said that she and many Sua people are so grateful for the Meals @School given everyday to their children. They hope that someday they can see you all in person so they could show their gratitude.

She also made mention of a mother who told her, that the Meals at School are SAVING her children from hunger .... everyday. This is how they value the help you are all giving. Your help means so much to them.

Thank you for all the support you have been giving the children. You have made the life of these children so happy . The children value their education so much and I know that they don’t want to miss a single day in school.

May you have wonderful Christmas and may you all feel our love for you through the many miles and waters.

For the Give Children Hope
Sponsored children

Kristina Lou C. Sunico

Family Day at Sua Elementary School

2011-11-30T21:56:00.000-08:00

This letter was forwarded to us by Helen, our Sua Elementary School representative. We have been asked to fund the cost of a Family Day held at the school. We feel this is an important celebration because families are of key importance, and we especially want our sponsored children to enjoy the blessing of having loved ones that care. Thank you for all of your support in making this happen.

Monthly Update

2011-11-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Sponsors,

We hope that you are in high spirits as you read this letter.

It is semestral break for the children here in the Philippines. It's the time when students of all levels have a week off from school. Also, everybody here is so excited for the long weekend we have to enjoy next week. It's a National holiday from October 31st until November 1st. It’s our Memorial Day here and a time for people to spend time with their family and pay respect to their dead loved ones as one of the traditions that we follow. It is really such a wonderful few days to be with our family despite all the worries and stresses of everyday life.

The Meals at School programs for the past month have been so great. We thank all the parents who volunteer to prepare food for the more than 700 students in Sua and Maravilla Elementary Schools. For the parents, this is one way of thanking the people who feed their children. They feel a sense of responsibility that even though their life in the countryside is difficult, with your help, they can still do something to provide food for their dear children.

The parents, together with the Give Children Hope volunteers, are there every day, checking every detail to ensure that every child will be fed well. I've never heard of any organization that gives your dollar donations direct to the children and lets parents be a part of the program. Your every dollar donation goes directly to feed more than 700 elementary school children in the desperate areas of Camarines Sur and Pototan, Iloilo.

The Sua Elementary School in particular, feeds more than 300 elementary students every day. They serve the meal every morning as the schedule of the classes takes the whole day for the schools in the country-side. The parents prepare different menus everyday so that the kids could get a taste of what different foods taste like.

The students don’t get to eat these foods at home, so it makes them really happy and excited every day for the Meals at School program. There is a pre-school meals program at the schools for the children in the morning and afternoon shifts.

Your dollar donations have been creating a great difference for the children in these areas. We are all so grateful for all the help that you have been extending for their benefit. Thank you for the opportunity that you’ve been giving them to enjoy school and be fed well.

We hope you have a wonderful falls season. Enjoy it as much as we will.

Please see latest pictures of the children and the Meals at School Program at Sua School and Maravilla Schools and other places we serve children on our Give Children Hope blog at: givechildrenhope.blogspot.com/ and our Facebook at: www.facebook.com/givechildrenhope

For the Sponsored Children,

Kristina Sunico

Good News From Sua

2011-10-26T22:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Give Children Hope,

I was in Sua Elementary School early yesterday morning. It was a beautiful sunny day. Since it was a Monday, I got to attend their flag ceremony.

I told the Principal, Mrs. Cordez, that we will be giving them a 3 month extension of the "Meals @ School Program" in Sua. She was so happy along with the teachers and, most of all, the parents who were there to help for the day. The parents were exceptionally grateful for this good news.

I also visited with the Barangay Captain of Sua in her place of residence just situated near the school... about 150 meters away. She told me that she had wished that we could meet, so that she could personally thank Give Children Hope for this big blessing Sua Elementary School has for having this wonderful program.

She shared with me one of her programs for her people, one which helps feed undernourished children in Sua. In order for this program to be realized they have to have the funds for this project. She asks her 19 barangay officers to contribute 100 pesos (about 2 dollars and 20 cents) each, every month, so that each month they have 1,900 pesos (45 dollars) to spend for this program.

When she heard about the Meals @ School Program by Give Children Hope, it was a great shock to her... "a great blessing from heaven," she said. She was surprised that it just came to their place and that no one had solicited it. I invited her to always come and see how it is running... and she said she has already done so. In fact, she enjoyed a meal already with the children. It was a very good visit with her. She also now supports the program!

As soon as I get the money I will send our financial report. I have found out yesterday too that they will also have a short semestral break for a week. They will resume their classes on Nov. 3, 2011, after Memorial Day.

This is my report for the month of October.

I hope everyone is doing well and happy. We give you many thanks for all these things you are doing for the Filipino children.

Helen Grace Putong- Agawin

GCH- Cam. Sur

Focusing on Studies

2011-10-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

We believe that healthy students are happier and will learn more in the long run. That is our goal... to feed children so that their main concern is their studies and not their hunger. We are pleased to see the positive changes that are taking place in our students lives.

Congratulations! . We got 1st place in 4th Grade, 2nd place in Grades 1,2, &3, and 3rd place for Grades 5 and 6 during the district math competition .

Eager to Learn

An Updated Letter from Helen, Our Filipino Representative

2011-10-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Give Children Hope

Hello from the Philippines! The Meals at School Program in Sua Elementary School is almost 3 months old now! Everything is going well and the children are getting fed everyday. The Principal, Mrs. Isabel Cordez, told me that the children are now a lot heavier, active, and have sparkling eyes!

I have talked to one parent and she said how grateful she is for this wonderful program of Give Children Hope. She knows, and is assured, that her children will not go hungry as long as they go to school. Because her children do not have a good breakfast in their home due to poverty, for her and her children, this is a great blessing.

They are sad that 3 months is almost over... they ask me and hope that this program will still continue to feed their children for the future. With your continued support and efforts, we can continue to bless their lives as needed.

On behalf of all these people... A million thanks to all of you!!!

Helen Grace Agawin

GCH -Cam Sur

"Meals At School" Program in Action

2011-10-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

The children are so eager for their warm meals that they are always willing to help

The Sua school just got a new water pump which means cleaner running water for the students

Poor Living Conditions

2011-10-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

These are some pictures sent to us by our Filipino representatives. It shows the humble circumstances that many of our students are living in. It is easy to see why these children yearn for a better opportunity at life.

A kitchen area

This is a nicer bedroom than most because it actually has a bed. Notice the dirt floors and holes in the walls.

A Message From Our Filipino Representative, Kristina

2011-10-05T17:20:00.000-07:00

Dear Sponsors and Friends,

Time has gone by so fast and we can hardly believe that we are down to three months until this year ends. How have you all been? We are all doing well here, though we have been battered by several strong typhoons that you have probably seen on the news. The latest one we had were typhoons locally known as "Pedring" and "Quiel" that have affected Manila and most of the Luzon provinces. We are still expecting more, as we have an average of 23 typhoons per year. Some leave with little affect but most exit leaving us with great devastation. Most of the effect would be on the farmers. Their crops and expected harvests sometimes all go to waste, thus affecting the entire country. Philippines is an agricultural country, so fishing and farming are the largest source of income among many Filipinos, especially in the rural areas. If the farms have been destroyed and there is no more to be harvested, we expect an increase in the price of commodities. It will be hard for all of us, as we have little income and we need to buy high priced foods. It has always been like that during typhoon season. So it is really smart to save and store food during this season so you wont have to suffer with the other people, and you could assist them in any way that you can.

The school that we help feed is doing very well and thank God that they did not have to suffer very much. During this time, the Meals at School Program is really a great help for these children. The more than 600 school children that we feed everyday benefit so much from this program, as well as their parents and their school. It is always hard for the parents, especially those that do not have much to provide all the meals that their children need. What you do for the children is help them to realize that people are there to help. Their eagerness to be in school overrides their hunger, but with your help, it has never been a problem since.

Our volunteers in Manila are making sure that those who are in great poverty will be supported by this program. Thus, the sponsored school in the Camarines Sur area has been changed since it was determined by the school district that this particular school is not in the poorest situation. We felt sad that we have to leave the former school that we sponsor, but we hope that the help we have given them for several months has left them the motivation that they need to continue to be in school despite their circumstances. What we do now is really a great help though we want so desperately to do more.

The children have been blessed physically... most of them have been gaining weight since. We always try to provide the most nutritious food that we could serve them. The parents who have been helping for the preparation of these meals have been very great as well. They wanted their children to have the best meal during the feeding so they themselves make it a point to prepare the most nutritious meals that they know their children can have.

It is really true that people draw strength from each other. We all thank you for the things that you do for us. The impact of your goodness cannot be measured in specific ways but as we see these children endure each day and as we leave a smile on their faces, we know that we have done what we could for them.

Thank you so much for all the help that you have been extending to us. May you have a blessed month and we always pray for you and your families.

Please see latest pictures of the children and the Meals at School Program at Sua School and other places we serve children on our Give Children Hope blog at: givechildrenhope.blogspot.com/ and our Facebook at: www.facebook.com/givechildrenhope

For the Sponsored Children,

Kristina Sunico

A Letter About Sua Elementary School

2011-10-05T16:24:00.000-07:00

Dear Give Children Hope,

I was on my way to visit Sua Elementary School last Thursday... I left the house at 6:30 am. Sheryl and I, with her youngest son Andrei (age 5), went together to Sua. We rode a tricycle with all the things needed for the Meals @ School program. When we arrived, some boys were already waiting for us along the highway to help carry all the stuff we had. They were all so eager to carry the goods towards the school! They do this every day, early in the morning before the bell rings... so impressive!!! That is how they show they appreciate and are grateful for the program.

At about 7 am, the high tide comes in so we look for a place to situate the stove so that we are not bothered by the tide. I have suggested to the Principal that we hold a meeting every end of the month with all the teachers. That way we can talk about how we can better serve the children and if they have any good suggestions and concerns that need to be addressed. I have taken some pictures of these meetings last Thursday with 100% attendance. They are all very eager to see and meet the people behind this program. They all hope that someday you can come to visit them.

The Meals at School Program here is doing well and organized and, most of all, everybody is cooperating and happy. We feel the true meaning of service, from the students, parents teachers and the School Principal. They all hope that this will continue in their school.

On behalf of Sua Elementary School, I thank you all for the kindness and help you are extending, especially to these children. I am doing the best I can to help GCH’s mission be fulfilled. You can always be assured that the fund goes to them 100%...this I have promised you, and as always, may you all be blessed a hundred fold because you share.

Helen Grace Putong-Agawin

GCH-Camarines Sur

More Photos from Sua Elementary School

2011-10-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

Meeting with the school teachers and principal... we have this meeting at the end of each month. This is so we can serve the children of Sua Elementary School better. They are so cooperative. Thank you Maam Marcela Isabel Cordez (the school principal)

Things are going great for the Meals at School program at Sua Elementary School. We thank you all for your continued support. The children are really showing progress in their attendance and performance at school.

August Letter to Sponsors

2011-09-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Sponsors and Friends,

I am so overwhelmed that we are finally down to the last four months until this year ends. And as the “BER” months begin, Christmas spirit is now all over the Philippines. This is probably the only country in the world that starts celebrating the Christmas season beginning in September. We all love it and it is traditional in our Filipino culture.

We hope that you had a very wonderful August as you celebrate good times with your families. Ours was great. There was a long weekend in celebration of the National Heroes Day.

Along with the continuing typhoon count, just this month, our country was again battered by a Typhoon named “Mina”. It finally moved away last Tuesday leaving 22 deaths and millions worth of destroyed properties. We are still expecting 11 more typhoons as this year comes to an end.

As for our good news from here in the Philippines, with the recommendations of Helen Agawin (our Philippines Meals at School Program Coordinator) we are pleased to announce we have started our popular Meals at School program in a new school in Camarines Sut Region earlier in August. The name of the new school is Sua Elementary and provides daily school meals for more than 300 Filipino children located in one of the most devastated areas of the Philippines.

We have rotated the meals program this year, from Dugcal School to Sua School, and feel especially good about this change. Sua School was designated by the superintendent as one of three most impoverished schools in the Camarines, Sur school district. The meals will be a life-saver for the children coming to school relying on this as their only decent food for the day.

We so much appreciate those of you who are helping to sponsor the more than 600 children who presently participate in our Meals at School programs. You also provide individual sponsorship programs and other support for the children here in the Philippines.

Give Children Hope is now truely a global children's charity and we do not want to miss thanking sponsors for our other programs like the Give Children Hope Food for Families packages given to needy families in Brazil. We also recognize other individuals who so kindly help other needy children wherever they live to have better lives.

I know that all of us can do something to help those in need. Whether it be great or small, everything touches their hearts and they will remember it for the rest of their lives.

We thank you all for what you do for these children. Your outreached hand to them makes a big difference in each of their lives.

Please see pictures of the children attending our new Sua School and in other areas globally on our Give Children Hope blog and Facebook at: givechildrenhope.blogspot.com/ and www.facebook.com/givechildrenhope

In behalf of the sponsored children,

Kristina Sunico

Manila, Philippines

National Language Month

2011-08-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

Sua Elementary School celebrated its "Buwan ng Wika" (National Language Month) on Thursday, August 25, 2011 in the afternoon. The meals were served after the program. Thanks to the sponsors of Give Children Hope- USA

The children are always so excited to carry in the food for their school meal.

With the School Principal Ma'am Isabel Cordez. She's so grateful that the Meals @ school is in her school.

Exciting New News

2011-08-22T18:51:00.000-07:00

We have a new school that we have implemented the "Meals at School" program in. Sua Elementary School began it's first feeding day August 9th, 2011. We are very excited about having this program available for these children. Sua Elementary School is located in a very poor area of the Philippines and it is not uncommon for some of the school children to faint from hunger throughout the day. We hope to change this real soon! So far we have had a great response to the program and many of the parents, even, are getting involved. Here are some pics from the first day

so excited to have the Meals Program in their school..

Their school garden after the flood...

The School food coordinator Maam Tomasa Aguilar and Sheryl ... getting ready for the food preparati

.. more firewood... their participation to the program... so cooperative!

the school daily attendance...

The school is about 150 meters away from the main road

we arrived early... no teachers were there yet... so we waited for a while...

this is Paolo Buena, he and his brother are studying in this school

This thing touched my heart ... one by one they came carrying bundles of wood to be used for cooking their meals

...and here's another one...

a father bringing a bundle of wood too...

Update on the Typhoons

2011-08-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

Manila, Philippines

Typhoon Juaning batters Bicol Region, Manila and other parts of the Philippines.

This has been one of the most devastating typhoons that has hit the country. It seemed like not everyone knew that it could be that great. Many areas were still left flooded up to this posting, classes were suspended on the previous days for the safety of the children. Electric posts and trees have fallen, passengers were stranded in ports and airports. Water rose up so quickly that people in the affected area needed to be evacuated as soon as possible. Times like these are very heartbreaking.

The more than 600 children in Dugcal and Maravilla area who you sponsor have been doing okay despite this natural disaster. They might have been affected in some ways but they are all safe and excited to go back to school after it was suspended.

We all thank you for the help that you have been extending to these children. There is no greater feeling in this world than to know that somebody cares for you especially in these troubled times.

God Bless you for helping the children so much, particularly at times like this. They are so blessed to have the blessing of food, school support, care and love that you give them. Please follow us for more details on our facebook page and Facebook Cause at: facebook.com/givechildrenhope -

Kristina Sunico - Manila Give Children Hope Correspondent / Director for the Philippines

August Letter to Sponsors

2011-08-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

(pictures not taken from our representatives, but outside sources)

Manila, Phillippines -- Typhoon Juaning batters Bicol Region, Manila and other parts of the Philippines.
This has been one of the most devastating typhoons to hit the country. It seemed like not everyone knew that it could be that great. Many areas were still left flooded up to this posting, classes were suspend on the previous days for the safety of the children.

August Letter - Hello to Give Children Hope Friends and Sponsors,

This month has been a great one, despite the typhoon that just hit our country leaving a lot of areas still flooded up to this point in time. Classes have been suspended for 2 days in the Camaligan area. The education department has decided to suspend the class because of the typhoon. Typhoons bring so much rain that it would be difficult and pose a danger, as far as the safety of the students are concerned.

This month really is the “typhoon month” for our country. Classes in the areas under storm signals 1, 2, and 3 (and even those surrounding) needed to be suspended. This kind of season will last up until September though it will still rain the following months. More than 20 typhoons are expected to enter the Philippines in one year.

Not only are the classes affected, but also the majority of the children's families are greatly affected during these times of the year. Their homes are not always spared from the destruction. Their makeshift dwellings are, most of the time, thrown away by the typhoon and by the strong winds. Then they have to build their house again using the materials which were left and from the scraps which were brought by the typhoon from other places. If you could only imagine these things happening. Imagine your entire home being taken by the strong wind and you cannot save anything but yourself. Imagine that after the typhoon you find yourself in a desperate situation and realize that you will, again, start with nothing. That’s the most common and the most heartbreaking moment in the lives of the people here in the Philippines as we face these natural calamities.

Though the children were affected, they were still able to enjoy the Meals at School Program, which you have provided for them. I am sure that they will be more than excited to go back to school and taste this sweet blessing for them. We are so glad that, even in these troubled times, the students are still blessed with this warm, peaceful feeling that someone cares for their needs.

The children are so blessed because of your love and concern for them. You have been blessing more than 600 children and no one can imagine what impact this could bring to their lives. Your sponsored children in the Dugcal and Maravilla Elementary Schools are doing great and we can see on their faces the happiness and the excitement of being in school. Their life is still very challenging but the Meals at School Program has brought a lot of change. This will always be a part of their lives, and to us who help in making your donations work for these needy children. Thank you so much for all the effort and all the sacrifices. To see these children happy and to see their lives change for the better is so rewarding. All your donations are a great help in proving for the needs of these children. What great joy it is to be able to feed one, but being able to feed more than 600 hungry children is the greatest!

We hope that you and your family will always be blessed and be happy. We love you all and we are always excited to keep you updated and make sure that your donations are being used in the way you want it to.

From the Give Children Hope sponsored children,

Kristina Sunico

Updated photos from Maravilla School

2011-07-23T20:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some recent photos taken of the students eating lunch at the Maravilla school in the Philippines. The program continues to be a success and a motivation for the children to attend school and gain an education. Thank you for your continued support.

New Letter from Our Representative

2011-07-06T12:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day!

Our Future is as Bright as our Faith

Dear Sponsors,

The month of June has passed by so quickly. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. This month has been so full of exciting activities for the children! Though we have been hit by several typhoons, we are so grateful that your sponsored children and their families are all doing ok.

Most of the areas were left flooded by the typhoon, so the Education Department had to cancel the classes several times this month to secure the children's safety. A lot of the schools have been turned into evacuation centers for the families whose homes have been destroyed by the typhoon and for those others whose homes have been covered with the waters. They stayed there for a couple of days, if not more than a week, until they could safely go back to their homes.

This is the usual scenario in the Philippines during the rainy season. This is why most of us are preparing during the summer days. This situation is very heartbreaking... especially when you see children and babies sleeping in the cold and their bodies wet. A lot of families gather together and stay in a small classroom which is not really very healthy. The local government gives them relief goods but that doesn't last long. They need food, water, clothing and medicine but only a few of those things can be provided, so one has to sacrifice for the benefit of the other who is more in need. We are glad though that we have never been a victim of such an undesirable situation.

The Meals at School Programs of Give Children Hope, which you sponsor, are doing well despite these calamities. The number of children in the schools have increased. For many of these children it is the only meal they receive during the day.

We know for a fact that the children were very motivated to attend school and the Meals at School Program has been a very effective invitation to those first-timers in school. They don't have to worry about going to school and having nothing in their stomachs. What they know is that they are excited to be in school and there are people who will help them so they will not go hungry during their tutorage.

Without anything to motivate them, it would be somewhat harder for these children to choose between going to school and being hungry, or going to work so they could have something to eat. The students at the Dugcal and Maravilla Elementary Schools are so blessed to be the recipients of this wonderful program. We may not know exactly what change it does to their lives, but we are sure that we are giving these children even a small piece of hope and happiness that they can be a better person despite their poor situation.

You have more than 600 children who are benefiting from this program on a daily basis and you just don’t know how happy they are to have these wonderful blessings!

We know that you are celebrating your Independence Day on the 4th of this month. We want to wish you a Happy Independence Day! We had our Independence Day last June 12 and we also celebrated the 150th birth of our National Hero.

We want to thank you for all that you do for these children. May we remember that as we celebrate our independence, we are giving hope to hundreds of children. We hope soon, that they will be free from the bondage of poverty as they continue to do good in school and appreciate all the help that they are receiving from the wonderful people like you.

With our love to all of you and your family... Happy Independence Day!

For the Sponsored Children,

Kristina Sunico

New Supplies

2011-06-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

The students just received some new school supplies for the new year. These are some great pictures provided by Helen our representative.

Happy Memorial Day from the Philippines

2011-06-02T15:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Sponsors and Friends,

We hope that the previous month was good for you and your family. I learned that this month is the celebration of your Memorial Day. We hope that you have a great one.

We also have a similar kind of celebration, but it is not exclusively for servicemen who fought during the world war but, for all our heroes who have fought for our freedom even before these wars.

We call that day, "National Hero's Day," which is being celebrated on the last Monday in the month of August. It is a national holiday and we are really making an effort to do something for our country as individuals to show gratitude for the people who fought for the freedom which we enjoy now. We are grateful for them as much as you are for all your heroes.

We were hit by a typhoon just recently. It left the country on Sunday. The past whole week was filled with heavy rains and really strong winds. Some parts of the country were affected greatly, especially those in Bicol and Samar, which are in Visayas. Those places are hit frequently with typhoons so people are used to it but still unsure of the damage it could cause them. They are always being warned by the local government to be prepared just in case.

We are happy to announce that the 600+ sponsored children in the Philippines are all doing great. Although all of us have had our own bad experiences from this calamity, the children are still doing okay and thriving from your support.

School will begin as early as June 6 and the kids are really excited. Before classes begin, high school and elementary schools have what we call "Brigada Eskwela". It is an activity where they call on all parents and other volunteers to help them clean the classrooms, paint the walls, fix chairs and tables, and all else to prepare the classrooms for the students. It is done on different schedules all over the country.

This project is being headed by the Department of Education. Some students also go there and help the parents with the cleaning and other things. I was able to participate in this activity during my elementary and high school days. I know that the parents are really happy and they have a better understanding of the kind of educational facilities that their children learn in.

Though what they can give is only their time, at least they have done something for the education of their children. A few of the well-off families and organizations donate some supplies to schools but this doesn't happen too often.

I know that you have once felt the excitement of going back to school each year; the excitement of seeing your friends and showing them your new notebooks, bags, and other things that your parents bought for you. Your sponsored children are also feeling that same thing. Maybe not all of them will have new school materials, but they are always happy to be in school. Your support for them and all that you give to them are the things that keep them in school. The food that you provide for these more than 600 children everyday is a great help to them. That might be the only food that they will have for that day and without it, they would have gone to bed with an empty stomach and little desire to further their education.

We all thank you for keeping these children in school and for providing for them the nutrition that their little and developing bodies need. Besides nourishing their physical hunger, you are also nourishing their childhood with the good things that they need to motivate themselves to keep and stay in school.

Their lives might be facing a lot of difficulties, but knowing that some people care for them and are concerned for them makes a lot of difference. I am speaking from experience. I know what it feels like to feel love from people I haven't talked with and haven't seen before.

Thank you very much for all that you do for us. Your love, more than the temporal things, makes a lot of difference in the lives of your sponsored children. Happy Father's Day to all the fathers. We hope that your lives with your family will always be bliss.

For the Sponsored Children,

Kristina Sunico

Please follow Give Children Hope on our Facebook and Causes Page at: www.givechildrenhope

For our Give Children Hope children and family programs in Brazil, go to:www.GiveChildrenHope.blogspot.com/

Latest Bulletin from Manila, Philippines

2011-05-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Sponsors,

I hope you are all doing well and are having a fun summer with your families. I must say summer because it's summer time here in the Philippines. You might be experiencing another kind of season but still, we hope that you are having a good time.

Part of the summer season is the really scorching hot weather. Manila often reaches a temperature of 36 degrees celsius. I wonder how you can measure that in your country, but, believe me when I say it is really really hot.

Foreigners love the warm weather, so a lot of people from other countries come over to spend the summer on our beaches. Tourism is one way that locals earn money here. When these tourists come over to spend a month or so, you see a lot of Filipinos bring out their native products to offer to these foreigners.

Some locals provide services like massages, henna tattooing, becoming a porter and carrying the foreigners baggage, and some become tourist guides and errand workers. Those are just some of the things that people do to earn money during this season.

These are some of the many kinds of jobs where children get involved. In their tender age, about seven to twelve, they learn to work to help their families. You see a lot of children selling all kinds of things on the sidewalk. I see this daily on my way to and from work.

What's even worst is that most of these children are just begging for food or money and they will come from anywhere to beg. That is the reality of the lives of the children here. At such a young age these children are forced to enter the workforce without a chance to experience childhood in a school setting.

We appreciate you so much for helping us little by little to eliminate these situations by supporting our "Meals at School Program Project". This is a great way to keep children in school. We thank you for that! You are keeping roughly 500 or more children in school simply by continuing to give your support.

On my visit to Dugcal Elementary in Naga, one of the sponsored schools, I had the opportunity to interview most of these children and learn about what their lives are like. My heart melted upon hearing that their lives were just like the ones I described above.

They help their parents earn for their families and support their younger siblings. They work so they can eat; they work so they can have money to travel to school or buy their scholarly needs. Without their earnings, there would be no food and no school.

I realized through my interviewing, what a wonderful program it is that we have. We provide food so that the students need not worry about these things. They need not to work and exhaust their little bodies to earn money and buy food when they should be in school. When we provide the food, they can just study and have fun. They are free to live their lives as happy children, for this opportunity will only come once.

I am amazed at how they have such positive attitudes towards whatever is happening in their lives. They experience hardships, but they are happy. They are intelligent children and they love to study.

It would be such a tragedy if these children weren't able to continue their schooling. They all have a lot of potential, despite living in a third world country where opportunities are rare. These children are all able to enjoy their summer now. They have no worries outside of schoolwork and studying.

There is another progress in Dugcal Elementary now, a new kitchen is being built by Give Children Hope. The kitchen is so that the food preparations will be more comfortable and to make sure that it is being prepared well.

Chairs and other supplies for the kindergarten were provided as well. You would be thrilled to see these little ones sit on those chairs and enjoy their classes. I remember my kindergarten days. I was always thrilled to sit on my mini chair with my mini desk. I know that these children are feeling the same excitement and happiness that I felt back then. The pictures will be made available on: facebook.com/givechildrenhopehope. So visit facebook and look at how these projects are going. There are also pictures also from Maravilla Elementary School in Iloilo on our facebook.

There is literally not enough room to describe how happy we are when we see that we are making a difference for a lot of children. We hope that you can have a feel of what amount of happiness you are bringing to these children. If they could just say thank you right in front of you, I know they would with excitement. I have felt these children's warm hugs and warm thanks. I am not the one giving them the financial aid, but I feel so good and I imagine how much more happiness you would feel being the main contributor to their lives happiness and success.

We thank you for all the support you give to these children. The Dugcal and Maravilla Elementary Schools are one of the blessed schools in the Philippines. The children are really grateful and happy for all the help that you give to them. We hope that we can do more for them and even extend our help to some other schools as well. It is really worth all the sacrifice and effort just to see these children happy.

In behalf of the Sponsored children, happy summer and Happy Mother's Day!

Sincerely,

Kristina Sunico

Some Cute Videos of the Maravilla School

2011-05-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

2011-05-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

Dugcal Elementary School

2011-05-02T09:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some great pictures provided by, Don Cooper, of the Dugcal Elementary School and it's students. The school hosted a wonderful presentation in honor of Give Children Hope and Don was able to give us a glimpse of the new kitchen being provided for the new feeding project. With your help, we can keep programs like this running and bless the lives of these special children. Thank you.

Don Cooper dancing with the students

The building of a new kitchen for the Dugcal Elementary School

Don's wife, Cathy, with some of the students

Mhegan Denise Enciso

2011-05-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

A few posts back we mentioned the needs of a little girl, Mhegan Denise Enciso. She has a hole in her heart and desperately needed help with the upcoming costs of surgery. Thanks to Joy, Ian and her friends, we have been able to give her a donation to help her and her family afford the needed procedure. Thank you for all your continued support!
April 27 at 4:19pm · Like

Great New Photos

2011-04-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

Don Cooper, one of our representatives is out in the Philippines right now visiting the Maravilla school district. He has sent us some great new photos of the surrounding areas to demonstrate the level of poverty that the locals face and pictures of the school and feeding program. The school held a rally in honor of Don's visit to show their appreciation for the sponsors and all their efforts and support. We thank Don for his eagerness to help the children and the sweet children for their gratitude and shared talents.

Gardening Project

Don Speaking At The Rally

A Well that Give Children Hope Helped to Install to Eliminate the Poor Water Supply

Don & Cathy Cooper Hula Dancing with Some of the Students

New Books For the Children

Poverty Months

2011-04-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

There are so many more things I want to do for the kids and so many more kids I want to help. Hopefully one day I am in a position to be able to do this. Until then, I am just grateful to be a part of something I know has made a child's life a bit easier and shown them there is a little bit of hope in a life that would otherwise show none whatsoever. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be able to show these kids a small ray of sunshine in what may seem to them as a lifetime of darkness and gloom.
Because of my personal involvement with the kids at Maravilla, I know for a fact it has changed their lives getting one small meal every day at school. It not only has affected the kids getting fed, but it has also impacted the whole community. The kids are very competitive now when it comes to challenging other schools in local competitions whereas before, Maravilla was almost certain to be close to the bottom.
The humidity and heat stop 99% of kids from taking lunches and snacks to school because most of what they have to eat needs to be refrigerated, which is impossible. This means if the child lives too far away from the school to be able to go home at lunch, he or she will miss out if the parents can not give the child some money to buy lunch. Seeing how most of these kid's parents work on the rice farms in the local area they would only earn about 130 pesos a day (about $3 to $4 in Australia). This program saves the parents money that they would have spent on meager meals, and can now spend on other needs for their children.
For breakfast most of these kids have a bowl of rice. If they are lucky, they might even have some salt and grass vegetable (found everywhere growing on the side of the road). It is what I would call a weed. Some kids never have any meat or fish to eat with their rice for the 2 to 3 month period in between harvest time, when there is no work for their family. That time in between is called locally, "Poverty Month". Even then, they only taste meat and fish a couple of times because their parents owe most of their money to other people for rice they have gotten on credit during the "Poverty Months". Living in a rural setting, they have the opportunity to grow vegetables and have chickens, ducks, and pigs if they are very lucky. Unfortunately, most of these animals they cannot eat because they need them to be able to sell to buy rice or exchange for things they need during the "Poverty Months".
So as you can see, for the kids to go to school and get a meal other than just rice, salt, and water is a great thing for them. Thank you to Give Children Hope, because that is exactly what it does, it gives children hope that someday they will be able to help their family out of poverty. You ask any child in this area what they want in life, and they say that it is to help their family. Some of them go to great lengths to achieve this and even sacrifice their own happiness.
Thanks to you Don, your family, Give Children Hope and everyone who cares enough to donate their hard earned cash to support this cause. It is such a fantastic thing to see the smile on a child's face when they are given Hope.

Kind Regards
Ian Horton
(Australian advocate and sponsor of GIVE CHILDREN HOPE)

April's Letter From Kristina Sunico

2011-04-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Sponsors,

I am writing this on the 1st of April here in my country so it’s a Happy April Fool’s Day! We do not really observe that here, but we will celebrate with everybody anyway.
How have you all been? We would be glad to know that you, with your family are always happy. We have seen in the news things that are happening around the world. Some are great and some are greatly devastating. We feel for those people who have been victims of these natural disasters. We have experienced the same thing in our beloved Philippines. Tsunami warnings were raised on provinces, those that are surrounded by water. Everyone was advised to keep their families intact and always be alert. Manila was no exception after being hit by a 5.4 magnitude earthquake. We felt how it shook establishments but we thank the good Lord for sparing us.
In these times of turmoil, nothing is more important than being safe with our families. I honestly felt an instant realization that nothing would make me feel more secure and comforted than being with my family in these troubled times. I know that you feel the same thing. Really, there are things that we experience that make us love and appreciate our family more, our only treasure here on earth, the only possession we can bring with us forever.
Amidst these alarming events, there was an experience that I will always be grateful for. Such happiness it brings me in seeing genuine innocent smiles and hearing happy laughter from hundreds of children... immeasurable! The feeding in Dugcal Elementary School brought me this much happiness. A total number of more than 300 children were benefited everyday by the Meals at School Program of Give Children Hope.
On a rainy Monday afternoon, I headed to Naga City Area to be present at the Dugcal School meals program. That afternoon’s meal was a hot and yummy vegetable noodle soup. Parents and school officials were present to volunteer in preparing the meals for the children. The meal they chose was really perfect for the weather. It would keep the children warm. I asked a boy in the 4th Grade about why he loves the feeding program. I was humbled by his answer saying, “My parents give me P1.00 every day I used to buy chichiria (a junk food that his P1.00 could only afford) from the vendors outside the school (the school doesn’t have a canteen, so the children either bring their own food or buy outside). When the Feeding program came, I could save my P1.00 and I have a more nutritious and delicious meal. My parents always help in preparing the food for the feeding.” What a lovely word from this young boy! He is being benefited, by being able to go to school without a hungry stomach. There are a lot more stories from these children. I am really overwhelmed.
These children at Dugcal School feel your love for them as you try to understand what they go through every day. We thank you all for being a part of their happiness. These children should always feel how happy it is to be a child, to be in school, to do homework, to study, to enjoy time with their friends and to meet great people. They will be children only once and your support allows them to experience this.
There are a lot more Filipino children other than those in Dugcal and Maravilla Schools who are in real need of the school meals programs . The children who now receive these meals at school are indeed blessed. We hope to extend this blessing as well to those other children.
On behalf of the children that you are helping, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you. Thank you for making them so happy. I’ve walked in their shoes once in my life and I know how they feel. I know the amount of happiness that they feel having someone to provide these meals for them. We love you!

On behalf of the Sponsored children – Dugcal and Maravilla

Kristina Lou Sunico,
for the Give Children Hope children

Delivery in Porto Alegre

2011-04-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

These are the food packages that are delivered monthly in a favela (slum) in Porto Alegre, Brazil. These pictures were taken last week. They come as a huge blessing for those nearby.

Mhegan's Surgery

2011-03-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

I would like to raise some money for this little girl. Her name is Mhegan Denise Enciso. She has a hole in her heart that needs to be repaired and it will cost at least 200,000 pesos. That is about $4,651 dollars. This little girl lives in Naga City Philippines. Thank you for your continued support.

-Don Cooper
Representative for Give Children Hope

Some More Great Photos of the Feeding Program

2011-03-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

JOIN US NOW ON FACEBOOK AND HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Maravilla Pictures

2011-03-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

The Garden Project

Update from Maravilla School

2011-03-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

GCH
MARAVILLA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
UPDATE

Philippines - February 12,2011 was a very special day for the students and teachers of Maravilla Elementary School as once again they received a cash donation from their generous sponsors for the continuation of their Feeding Program.

This gift came at an opportune time when students and teachers are gearing up for the annual National Achievement Test(N.A.T) scheduled this month of March. This Test assesses the competency of both public and private elementary schools in the Philippines.

Studies have shown that properly nourished children perform better than those who don’t. Feeding them with healthy and nutritious foods will help sharpen their minds and stabilize their energy.

Children that are healthy also maintain a happy disposition.

The school was also thankful that the foundation allowed them to purchase a refrigerator to be used for the feeding program. This is necessary because teachers will no longer have to go to the market on a daily basis, thus saving them time and money.

These children will always be grateful for the kindness and generosity of its donors and your continued support for the program will ensure that these children will have a brighter future.

Update from Brazil

2011-03-16T20:06:00.001-07:00

Here are new pictures from our monthly food basket program in Porto Alegre, Brazil

2011-03-03T08:54:00.000-08:00

Recent Letter from Our Representative, Kristina

2011-03-03T08:41:00.000-08:00

Hello Sponsors and Friends of Give Children Hope,

How have you been? The past month has been so good to us. There was not so much rain and we had a one day holiday for all the students as we celebrated EDSA DAY (or People’s Power Day). It is very well known in the world history. It goes back to the year 1986, when the Philippines’ dictator, Ferdinand Marcos, was ousted from his power and was replaced by Corazon Aquino, wife of Marco’s number 1 rival, Benigno Aquino.

The country is now being led by the Aquino’s only son Ninoy. We just hope for the best for our country. There were too many price hikes this month. The price of travel fare, gas and all other basic commodities all went up... even the electricity was higher since last month.

Despite some of the negative things, our hopes are still high that all things will go back to normal. We just have to tighten our belts more as we deal with this economic crisis. 

Manila was hit by an intensity 4 earthquake last February 22. We did not feel it very strongly but it caused a slight panic, especially to those who felt it. We are grateful that it was not like the one that happened in New Zealand. We know that they need our prayers and we should all be grateful for our lives, that we are still able to enjoy each day with our family. Gladly, none of the sponsored children were affected. They are doing well in school.  This will be the children’s last month in school. They will be on summer vacation from April until May .

Right now, the children look so exhausted as they go home every night, but they love it. They love the feeling of getting tired while doing something that will help them have a greater future. They don’t mind it, and they are giving all their effort as they complete all the requirements for this school year.

Your sponsorships and donations keep them in school. It keeps them able to enjoy the day with their friends and to continue to learn and become someone better. Amidst this crisis, they are still in school.

Thank you so much for all that you do for them. Your donation provides for their food and school expenses. It would leave a smile on your face to see how happy the children are with the gifts you give them.  The "Meals at School" program of Give Children Hope in Dugcal and Maravilla Elementary Schools continue to be a great blessing for the children. Your help goes a long way. They enjoy the food that is rarely being served in their homes. Like in my previous letter to you, the children still wear the same smile that you saw with Maria. I know they are really happy for all that you do for them.

Living in Manila is not so comfortable for my mother and our family, as we earn so little and the cost of living is too high. Likewise, in the rural areas, where they don’t earn much and still need to provide for their family, life can be extremely difficult. We are glad that we continue to receive help from you.

Thank you for your love for these children. They love you so much and they are thankful for the help that you do for them. I know how they feel toward you as their sponsors, as I was once in their position as a recipient of my sponsor’s kindness. 

We hope that you enjoy this month with your family. We pray for your health and prosperity. The children will do good in school as they give their gratitude to you for all that you do for them. May God Bless you!

  For the Sponsored Children,
Kristina Sunico

Feeding the Children in Naga

2011-03-01T13:29:00.000-08:00

"Happy Valentine's Day" from the children

2011-02-16T15:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Sponsors,

Hello from here in the Philippines!

I'm sending you a picture of Maria, one of 550 Filipino school children you are sponsoring here in the Philippines with the Give Children Hope, Meals at School Programs.

Maria is a student at Dugcal Elementary School in Camarines, Sur in Southern Luzon, where she participates in one of the Meals at School Programs sponsored by Give Children Hope.

Maria sends you her love at this special Valentine’s Day time and thanks you for providing these daily meals for her and for all the other 350 children at her School.

Another student at the same school Maria attends says: "It's so good to come to school and not have to try studying with an empty stomach".

Just like Maria, the grade 4 pupils from Dugcal Elementary School are expressing their gratitude for the help that you are giving them. Bryan, Gino and Vivian are all very happy with the nutritious food that the Meals at School Program is providing. They thank the people behind this program for giving them this blessing that their families’ little income cannot always provide.

A father of one of these children also expressed his gratitude saying that “most of the times, my children go to school without having breakfast, so for them, this program is a great blessing.. a “manna” from heaven for them”.

What Maria and the other children just expressed here is indeed true. It is true for her, for all her school mates and for me as well. I had a similar experience as Maria. I have experienced going to school with an empty stomach, not because I didn’t want to eat, but there was none to provide for my meals.

Give Children Hope understands our story, they know perfectly our situation. To speak in behalf of the sponsored children here in the Philippines has helped a lot in letting the sponsors know our real situation.

I am so glad that people from another race, another country, another belief has been expressing their sympathy to all the children that Give Children Hope is sponsoring by providing for what they need especially the meals that they need to be getting to start the day.

I know that the smile that Maria wears in this sweet photo is a genuine expression of her gratitude for what you are doing for her and for her schoolmates. The meals provided in the Meals at School Program are not the usual meals that they can have at home. They only taste of these meals through this program.

So, indeed, every day now is a “Happy Day” for these children not just at Dugcal School but at our other Maravilla sponsored school in Aklan as well. The support you give to them goes a long way, and all the volunteers for this program are really happy to render their service for the benefit of these children. We all love to see happy children and not with empty stomach.

May you feel our love for all of you as you celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved ones. We all hope that you will have a good one as much as we would do. May you be filled with love always in your lives with special thanks to each of you for encircling these children with your love. You are helping give each of these children better lives.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Our love to all of you!

For the Give Children Hope,
Philippines Sponsored Children,

Kristina Sunico

Update

2011-02-08T22:47:00.000-08:00

Dear Give Children Hope,
This day is probably one of the best days for all of us. The weather is ideal – fine and windy with cool temperature. We went there around 1:30pm with my mom, my daughter and son-in-law, and an 11-year-old nephew. We all witnessed the cooperative parents of the students as they helped during the food preparation/cooking. They were all happy thinking that their sons/daughters will be fed again and they will no longer worry for their food after school in the afternoon. They were so grateful and even much delighted upon knowing that the feeding project will be held on a daily basis now. The teachers were also giving feedback on the good effects of the activity. Children are more active at school and absences were lessened because they try to look forward to the happy eating time. Children were saying they are full and they were happy to know the good news about “everyday feeding project”. You know, some of these kids here scarcely eat in their own homes. This project is really helpful to them. I hope I can impart to you my real emotions with some pictures that I have sent you. Your generosity is really helping these kids.
Sincerely,
Helen

Recent Photos of the Feeding Program

2011-01-26T22:11:00.000-08:00

Great New Photos of the Dugcal Elementary School Children

2010-12-09T21:19:00.000-08:00

The Dugcal School Feeding Program

2010-12-08T12:09:00.000-08:00

Dear Give Children Hope,

Finally the day has come for the opening of the Meals at School Program in Dugcal Elementary School, Camaligan, Camarines Sur. We were blessed to have a good weather. The Mayor, the Vice Mayor of Camaligan, the Barangay Captain of Dugcal and the PTA General President of the School were present to witness this charitable act. They were so grateful that Dugcal has this blessing for the children, further the Mayor wished that this blessing would go also to other schools here.

The children were all dressed in red showing how happy they are for these early gifts they received.They were all grateful to Give Children Hope.

To the sponsors of Give Children Hope... in behalf of the Principal, the teachers, the parents and the students I would like to say thank you so much for the early gifts they received this yuletide season. May you all have the best of things in life.

Helen
GCH- Camarines Sur

More Information on the new Feeding Program

2010-12-04T09:33:00.000-08:00

A lot of planning goes in to creating a feeding program. Here are just a few of the purchased items that were needed to begin making the meals:

-11 large basins
-6 big cauldrons
-360 glasses
-11 water gallons
-2 chopping boards
-11 dippers
-7 ladles
-2 strainers
-360 plastic bowls
-360 spoons
-6 clay stoves
-3 knives
-2 bars of soap & 2 dishwashing foams
-12 pails
-11 bread baskets

We have every hope that this program will thrive here just as well as it has in the Maravilla School. We will be posting new pictures soon. Thank you for all your support and for helping make a difference in these children's lives.

Meet Helen Grace Agawin

2010-11-30T11:00:00.000-08:00

Helen, our Dugcal Elementary School feeding representative, with her college students

To Give Children Hope,

To all the sponsors of Give Children Hope: on behalf of the children of Dugcal Elem School, the teachers, the parents and the principal, I would like to thank you all for the support and love you are extending to the children here. It will bring to them a big difference in their lives. Thank you and more power.

Sincerely yours,
Helen Grace Agawin

*Helen is our representative for the Dugcal Elementary School feeding program. Her parents taught there for several years when she was a child, until they were able to retire. She is now a teacher as well and teaches as a college instructor in two different sister schools. She teaches Spanish to the 2nd and 3rd year college students.

**Dugcal School is the same school that one of our founders, Don Cooper, visited back in 1976. Back then they only had eight textbooks for the entire school and not enough chairs for all the children to be sitting at the same time. With Don's help, the school received several new textbooks to further the children's education. Don has many fond memories of the Dugcal school.

Dugcal Elementary School Feeding Project

2010-11-11T11:09:00.000-08:00

We, at Give Children Hope, are very pleased to announce that we have begun a new feeding program in another area of the Philippines. We have chosen to implement this new program in the Dugcal Elementary School and hope that it will flourish, as it has in the Maravilla Elementary School. Our participants are eager and show great enthusiasm for this program. We thank all those who are continuing their support for Give Children Hope and helping us to make a difference in these children's lives.

The school children beneficiaries of Dugcal Elementary School for the Supplementary Feeding Program

The intermediate school children of Dugcal Elementary School

Happy Smiling faces of the students

Meeting with Dugcal Elementary School Parents for the Supplementary Feeding Program
Meeting Held: November 5th, 2010

Update For Give Children Hope Programs

2010-10-25T15:47:00.000-07:00

GCH MARAVILLA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

MARAVILLA, POTOTAN, ILOILO CITY – At the southern most part of this town lies, Maravilla Elementary School, one of the many beneficiaries of the Give Children Hope Foundation. This year the foundation launched two programs that will promote wellness and sustainability, not just for students but for the parents as well.

First of these projects is the FEEDING PROGRAM, which provides free meals for each student. The objective of this program is to provide children with healthy and nutritious meals that will sustain them all throughout the day. The teachers are happy to note that 150 children have benefited from this, so every recess time is something that they really look forward to. Parents take turns in preparing these meals for them, but if not, the teachers help each other in the kitchen. The leftovers are being sent home to the kids for them to eat and share with their families.
Sir Cyril, the school principal and Ma'am Rufina, a nursery teacher share the same observation with regards to the improvements made:

First, is that the health of their students have improved, and that cases of malnutrition have decreased significantly. Bear in mind that some students go to school without having their breakfast, the most important meal of the day.

Second is that absenteeism has also been reduced, since students will no longer have to worry about their allowance, because the school already provides them with free meals.
LONG QUEUE SAYS IT ALL. Students patiently wait for their turn to be served. Recess is something these kids look forward to.

KEEP 'EM COMING: Children help themselves with the soup. DOWN BELOW: Ma'am Rufina and Ma'am Pearlie take turns serving food.

Happy Meals, Happy Hours. Students enjoying their soups.

Another project which allows the parents of these students to get involved, is the GARDENING PROGRAM. This program helps parents sustain themselves and their families by planting vegetables that they can sell or can be brought home for them to eat. Parents have a designated area where they can plant and grow their own vegetables. They regularly tend to their garden, which consists of eggplants, okras and jutes among others. The garden currently needs replanting since most of these vegetables have already been harvested.

This program is very helpful especially during non-harvesting season where food can be scarce and parents struggle just to make ends meet.
GROW WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED (BELOW). These are just some of the vegetables that are planted in the garden.

PIGGERY:
Aside from the gardening program, the foundation also set up this project to help the school sustain itself financially by growing piglets, which can be sold later on. Sir Cyril said that this project is in it's trial stage but he's very optimistic that this project will succeed.

(ABOVE) Pigs anyone?. These pair of piglets will be fed and grown for sale, proceeds of which will go to the school and their projects.

FROM THE PARENTS:
Some parents share the same sentiments as the teachers regarding the program.
It takes half the burden from them, since they will no longer have to think about their children's allowance or taking their children with them to work in the rice fields just to earn something for the day. These parents realize how important it is for their children to go to school and learn, lest they want their children to suffer the same fate as they did. Knowing well enough that these kids can have a bright future.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL AND TEACHERS:
Sir Cyril beams with pride as he told us that one of their students placed 2nd during the Character Impersonation Contest at the District Meet. He said that joining competitions was a way for them to showcase what Maravilla Elementary School can offer and what their students are made of. These competitions are another way to bring exposure to the school.

Their lives changed because you've touched them. If help will continue to pour in, they may be able to finish school and reach for their goals. Your simple act of kindness and generosity will inspire them to do the same things for others. They couldn't be grateful enough for giving them the best quality of life possible, a life they rightfully deserved.

Maricris Sonido
GCH – Correspondent
Maravilla Elementary School

Just 6 More Days to Match Your Giving!

2010-10-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

Please help us give and make a difference! The provider, JUST GIVE, has given us a chance to double our contribution. If you pay just $10 now, they will match it with another $10. To help, please go to this link: www.justgive.org/10years. Thank you for contributing!

New Letters from a Mother and Child

2010-10-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

Donate $10 Now and Have Your Donation Matched

2010-10-09T21:18:00.000-07:00

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Just $10 will save the lives of hungry Filiipino children by feeding them life-saving meals at school. But wait! If your donation is made between October 10th and Oct 19th our donation provider, JUST GIVE, will MATCH your donation. PLEASE HELP! Go to this link now to GIVE CHILDREN HOPE:

www.justgive.org/10years

New Letters of Appreciation

2010-09-23T13:47:00.001-07:00

These letters were written by the students at Maravilla school in the Philippines. They are addressed to Don Cooper, who deals with our communication, but meant for everyone who supports our cause. The children are thriving and growing stronger every day.

A Great Report Card From a Happy/Healthy Student

2010-09-23T13:46:00.001-07:00

You Are Making A Difference

2010-09-14T16:14:00.000-07:00

We just received some more pictures of the Maravilla school feeding project. The warm meals served to the children are boosting their morales and causing them to look forward to learning. The gardening project is teaching the children and their parents how to produce food on their own. A HUGE thank you to all who are making this program such a success by contributing to our cause. We are already looking to expand the feeding program to other schools. We couldn't do this without your help.

The Children with Ian Horton

2010-09-14T16:09:00.000-07:00

Once again, we thank our Australian representative, Ian Horton, for his hard work implementing the feeding program at the Maravilla school. The children really loved having him there with them.

Faces of Those You Are Helping

2010-09-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

These children are so eager to learn and their enthusiasm grows, knowing there are people willing to help them achieve this desire.

Pictures from Nutrition Month

2010-09-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

As you can see the children had a lot of fun learning about nutrition and the importance of eating right!

Letter of Appreciation

2010-09-06T22:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Tito Ian and Tita Joy,

How are you there? Everyone here is missing you. We miss all the fun we had during your vacation here. I saw how the kids in our village were happy. I think most of the children here can easily recognize you every time they see you in photos... they say "tito ian and tita joy" and clap their hands. It seems they have seen a tv person but I know it is you. You can see from this how meaningful you were for us; you give us hope to be happy even though life here is simple. I feel like I am the luckiest kid because I was chosen as one of your scholars, which has been such a big help for my family. Instead of saving allowances for my schooling, my mom can spend it on her boys. They don't cry anymore because they are eat fish 5 times a week instead of dried fish and salt in water. Thank you so much tito Ian! In school I am very active with my assignments and projects. I already paid the whole years tuition fees and bought my P.E. uniform... thank you for the financial support and for helping my big brother Chris. Thank you so much kuya Ian, maybe next week I will send my first grading card so that you will see my grades in school. So, thank you again kuya Ian and give my regards to tita Joy. I always bring you to my prayers every night to take care and God bless.

Truly Yours,
Christy

A Letter from our Filipino Representative

2010-08-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Sponsors,

In addition to our child and family sponsorships, at the end of July, we started a new type of sponsorship program that sponsors children’s meals and gardening programs. We have begun these programs in schools located in some of the most impoverished areas of the Philippines.

On August 19th, just a few weeks ago, Give Children Hope started it's first "School Food and Gardening Program "at Maravilla Elementary School on Aklan Island in Southern Philippines. It feeds all 150 children at this sponsored school on a daily basis. It's clearly a blessing for the children because they receive their critical food and needed support, all in their school setting.

Here's what Ian Horton, the Australian who helped Give Children Hope get this amazing program started at Maravilla Elementary School says about the Give Children Hope "Food at school program": "Because of the free feeding, you can see in the children a bigger smile". They have written letters for the people who lend their hands in making this program possible. In the letters, they say that they are more motivated to learn and go to school. The biggest reason for their motivation is because they know that somebody cares about them. This is such a great assurance that every child you are helping will excel in their performance in school because you have cared for them.

The food given in the feeding program did not only fill the children’s empty stomach, but it resulted into something even much greater. It gave the children drive and motivation so they can continue to give more focus in school and not worry much about getting hungry. It is really true that even plain porridge can bring a lasting smile and gratitude from the children.

The gardening program in the school that we have started is well under way, and that has also had a positive outlook on the parents as well as with the school. There seemed to be a spark of hope ignited in their little community.

With the little amount of help coming from the government, an initiative of an organization to help build this project is really a great help for those unfortunate ones. The program would be basically done by acquiring a patch of the land within the school, cultivating it, and preparing it for planting. The vegetables to be planted would be the typical kind of vegetables that Filipinos eat the most (ex:.Eggplant, camote tops, gumbo-lady’s finger, water spinach and alike). Once these plants have been planted and grown, there will be opportunities for the families living within the school area and those who helped in planting, to harvest from the vegetable garden an amount of vegetables that they could bring home and cook for their families. All these people need to do is to continue to cultivate and take care of the plants until they are ready to be harvested. The kind of help that they would need would be obtaining the materials for the maintenance. These people have excellent skills in farming and in soil cultivating; skills that are acquired through years of working on farms.

The children can also be involved in taking care of the garden should they have free time in school. Basically, those children’s parents who are being fed in the program would be the main people involved in the School Garden. Other parents who don’t have kids in the feeding program may also help and benefit from the School Garden.

The "School Food and Gardening Program" looks far beyond feeding children. It is also mainly concerned about teaching people skills and diligence so that they too can help themselves in sustaining food for their families. They only need help because of the very unfortunate circumstance that they are in. Most of these people do not have the resources to start such a program. These people live in a hand-to-mouth kind of living. The food that they have worked with for a day would only last for that day, or worst, it won’t even be enough. Because of this, they need someone to help them start a program like the gardening one that helps even more than just providing their food.

I see a great and a far reaching future in Give Children Hope’s "School Food and Gardening Program". It is something that could be passed on to the next generation, should many people and sponsors be involved in making this project succeed.

From me, Kristina, thank you so much for your sponsorships! The funding you are now providing to Give Children Hope not only provides critical care for individual children, but is now providing funding for this new school feeding programs as well. Thank you so much for all that you do to help make such a difference in their lives.

My love for all of you, Kristina

for the Sponsored children and families

in the Philippines

Sweet Letter of Appreciation

2010-07-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

Your donations are making a difference in people's lives. What a great feeling to know this and to know they appreciate your kindness.

School Life

2010-07-24T21:41:00.000-07:00

The Garden Project

2010-07-23T12:46:00.000-07:00

Hello,
Well, we are back in Australia and miss the kids in the Philippines already. Thank you for trusting in us and giving all your support to the projects at Maravilla Elementary School. We want to send a big "thank you" to the people who raise money and give their donations to Give Children Hope. Without them, the decisions of who to help and where to help cannot be made. I know all the information and photos I send will show them that their money is getting very well spent, and helping in ways they will never know. Because of such programs as the free feeding, you can see the children have bigger smiles. I have some letters here some pupils have handwritten and thanked everyone. In these letters they say how much more they are motivated to learn and go to school now. Such positive showing of their emotions! The biggest reason they are motivated, is because they know somebody cares about them. If someone is willing to donate to them, they are going to make you proud of them by studying hard. The gardening program at the school is well under way and that, also, has had a positive effect on both parents as well as the school. There seems to have been a spark of hope ignited in their little community. There is still some skeptic people there wondering if anything will work, but I am sure when they see positive results, they too will want to join in.
I will attach some photos, hope you can use them.

Ian Horton

More Great Photos

2010-07-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

Don Cooper From Ian Horton to us. "A million thanks to Give Children Hope for all their help and support to the children at Maravilla. There is now a free feeding program and garden at the school, everyone there is so very excited and cannot thank you enough. Thanks also to everyone who donates to Give Children Hope because it only takes $10 to feed 150 kids here once a day."

Word from the Philippines

2010-07-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

Hello,
Today the 21st of July, the school celebrated their National Nutrition Month. Here every month there is a subject they celebrate and July just so happens to be Nutrition month. We took this opportunity to start the feeding program today, so from today onward the kids will be getting fed everyday of school. Thank you all for your support. The teachers still want to raise some pigs and are very determined to make it work. They will just start with 2 pigs and see how they go (that will also happen this week or next). The garden is starting to look like a garden now and not just a lot of weeds. We kickstarted that project and bought them some extra tools and seeds which they have started planting.

I am confident we are leaving all the responsibilities here in very good hands. It is going to be sad to say goodbye to all these kids. I have visited the Philippines quite a few time before but only in hotels or in the city of Iloilo. This is the 1st time for me to stay in a small community like this and be part of everyone`s lives. It has been very fun,exciting, and rewarding to be able to help these people. At times it has been very difficult for me to hold back my emotions, To be a part of and live with people who are experiencing such poverty can take it`s toll on you mentally. I want to help everyone and find it hard to have to say no to some people sometimes. I will send you a pic of a boy who broke my heart, we planned a big day out with a bunch of kids and parents to the swimming pool. When all the kids were climbing in the truck someone spotted a little boy hiding behind a banana tree with a very sad look on his face. When he was asked to get in the truck he said he couldn`t because it was the weekend and it is his job to look after his grandpas 100 ducks. Every weekend, this boy does not get the chance to play with other children, because his family relies on the ducks getting fed and walked to the ricefield so they can swim in the water. If the ducks do not swim, they will not lay eggs. They only get 5 pesos for every egg, and that`s if the duck even lays one. I gave this boy 150 pesos and he collected his ducks and went home. We also bought him some school supplies and a school bag. There are so many stories of hardluck and poverty to tell. I really feel for these people and the hurdles they face everyday, but they just take it on the chin and carry on with life. They just do what they do for survival and know they have to look after themselves because their government is not going to help them. I wish I could win the lotto and live here to help them. Anyway, I will keep you updated and hopefully you can get to talk to the teachers on the phone at some stage.

Ian Horton

2010-07-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

More on the Philippines

2010-07-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the living conditions near the Philippines. The Give Children Hope foundation is wanting to implement school lunch programs in three other schools along with the Maravilla school. For now we are grateful to be able to give warm lunches to this small group of children.

Maravilla School Lunchtime

2010-07-19T01:16:00.000-07:00

Don Cooper, an active member of Give Children Hope, has shared these photos of the Maravilla lunch program. These are very hungry children and this meal may be the only one they get for the day.

Brazil Update

2010-07-02T20:39:00.000-07:00

Brazilian family in Porto Alegre receiving food basket last month.

The Buena Family

2010-06-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

The Buena Family

2010-06-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

Dear Give Children Hope,

Last Saturday, June 5th, 2010, we gave the first monthly support of $25 which is equivalent at present to 1,140.35 Philippino pesos. I was with Paula and my husband Mario, for he drove us with his motorcycle to the house of the Buena family.

The family was so happy. We have explained to them clearly why they have this blessing and for what purpose it is and what they should be doing every month as soon as they receive the support. Sister Buena was so emotional. She told me it was an immediate answer to her prayer. She was worrying about what,how, and where she will go in order for them to have something for dinner.

Family Background:

The father is working as a carpenter on a daily basis, earning a minimum wage of 220 Philippino pesos per day. It is a contractual basis, so when the construction is done, he has no earning for the day for his family. He also sometimes constructs pump wells and by this, earns up to 800 pesos. This work usually takes him 4-5 hours to finish (much better earning than being a carpenter, but it happens very seldom).

The mother can't work right now because she is still recovering from her illness. They have 5 children: 4 boys and a girl. The 4 boys are all living with them, but the girl who is now 20 years old was given to the father's cousin when she was very little. They gave her away because Sister Buena was very ill then, and she could not take care of the baby. They had no choice or the baby would die. She said the last time she saw her, was when she was 1 year old.

They live in a Nipa house without flooring... just part of it is covered by a plastic mat.

Thank you so much for making us a part of this charitable project. Mario and I with Paula are happy doing this for you and for the Foundation.

Please tell us what else we need to do and what we need to add for the family background information. We would appreciate it so much and would be happy to do it.

-Helen

Letter Of Appreciation

2010-06-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

Hello Uncle Don and Auntie Cathy,

I already picked up the money this afternoon after of my class. Thank you very much uncle don and auntie cathy , I payed already the down payment and my prelim exam. Only the midterm, pre-final and final will be payed on during before the exam. It has P500 peso left I bought 1 skeny jeans pants and the other left will be my allowance. Thank you so much for helping me uncle don and auntie cathy for my school financial. My parents they were all fine, they are happy for me, they miss you so much. My brothers and sisters are studying, only jojo can't. He has a baby girl. It look like jojo. Still hot here, very hot because it's EL Nino. EL Nino means very hot, very dry, Your always thirsty and the sun so very hot. It has no wind. I'm wondering for the rain. always take care.

love,
Gemma and family

NEWS FROM THE PHILIPPINES

2010-06-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

Kristina Sunico writes "We greet all the fathers with a Happy Fathers Day. We hope you all have a special day. We hope that this month will be good for all of you. We are all so grateful for the continuous support that you have been extending to us. It is a really great help for us."

5K A GREAT SUCCESS

2010-05-25T20:02:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Stephanie Wilkins for all her efforts in organizing the first 5K for Give Children Hope. It was a great success and raised needed funds for use in the Philippines. All who attended had a great time. We are planning to make it an annual event and to possibly have another 5K in Utah in the spring.

5K 2010

2010-04-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

Maravilla Elementary School Project

2010-04-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

Good Day to all of you, im Christy Cabucos one of the honor student of Maravilla Elementary school and graduated last march.We are very privilege that we are part now of give childrens hope foundation I’m very thankful because even I’m already graduated there is still a lots of children’s and my younger siblings will benefits with this opportunity,Maam Joy and Sir Ian Horton has also a beautiful heart , they have donated 4 box of books and they were the one build our own library for us to study our lesson and do our home work fast and easy and last February we have receive 1000$ from give children’s hope in which the money will goes to the project of school which is the piggery and the cost of it will be for development of school therefore our school payment will be free this a good opportunity not only for my fellow children but also for our parents, Life here in village is not easy you have to work hard in order to eat 3 times a day my parents are both farmer and we just depend on farm, sometimes I was pushed to absent in school because I need to take care of my younger siblings, we are six children in the family and I’m the youngest girl that’s why I’m very oblige to do my responsibilities’ as eldest daughter. every day I go to school without money and I just bring boiled banana or sweet potatoes as my snacks but I don’t mind those things the important thing is what I have learned inside the classroom I’m very eager to study hard because I wanted to help my parents someday but sad to say we only end up to high school that’s the only education our parents can afford after that we push to work in the city as housemaid in order to sustain our family’s basic needs,im still young and I have so many dreams not only for myself but also for my family I hope someday I will be successful not as housemaid but to be teacher I wanted to help my fellow children,and i always praying that God will give you and your family a good health and wealth so because I know you have a good heart and many more hungry children s are worth for you help.

God Bless you always

Sincerely yours,

Cristy

Run For A Cause

2010-04-12T08:31:00.000-07:00

We are holding a local 5k Run/Walk marathon in order to raise money and awareness for Give Children Hope. For those who want to participate, we will be meeting at Parkway Drive in Folsom, CA on May 22nd. We will begin the event at 9:00 a.m. There is no required admission fee, but any donation amount will be greatly appreciated and will go directly to children who are in need. Help us make a difference in children's lives. We hope to see you there!

HAITI PROJECT

2010-03-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

We have several Haiti projects in development and one completed. Give Children Hope assembled with volunteer labor over 300 emergency kits at a cost of nearly $2,000 and had them shipped to Dr. Combs in San Diego who will personally deliver them this month to Haiti. We have other assistance projects in development and will reveal the details as soon as they are realized.

News from the Philippines

2010-03-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

Kristina Sunico our Phillipines Coordinator (a college student) writes "We thank you for the financial support. It is bringing food to our tables and we never go hungry. It helps us in our school fees. Our parents don't have to worry much about those things because they are being provided by people like you. We thank you all for everything that you do for us. We pray for your good health and your families happiness. We hope that your plans will go well. We enjoy life though it is a bit hard. We love to do alot of things. We are thankful for all our opportunities. Most especially for your help to keep us in school! We love you very much!

New Project Maravilla Elementary School Philippines

2010-02-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

Ian Horton, our representative with Maravilla Elemenary School writes" The children of today are the future of tomorrow and every child deserves to get at least the chance to a decent education to achieve their role in life. By trying to give the school some sort of income to cover basic needs this will help the whole community. The parents have only a few pesos in their pockets a few times a year when the rice is harvested. The people are all very excited about the news of the donation by Give Children Hope. When my wife phoned the principal to tell her she cried. I cannot express in words to thank you and your organization for your generosity. You will be hearing from the teachers and pupils of Maravilla Elementary School soon!"

Donations to Give Children Hope

2010-02-13T16:41:00.000-08:00

http://www2.guidestar.org/organizations/94-2420709/give-children-hope.aspx

Update Manila

2010-02-06T15:09:00.000-08:00

"We are all very grateful for the help you have shared with us. I know that you celebrate Presidents Day every third Monday of February. We do not know exactly what you do on Presidents Day but if it is commemorating your Presidents we celebrate with you. Your country has been our country's best friend and we honor your leaders as we learn about them in school. We hope you will have a sweet Valentines day with all your loved ones. The Sponsored children are growing to be very good children. They love their families alot and they care for their siblings. They are doing well in school and are keeping their grades high." Kristina Sunico writing from Metro Manila, Philippines Give Children Hope

2009-10-26T18:49:00.000-07:00