CTD inspires 204 children to study, pursue dreams

31 May 2016 | CHHagosojos |

A KAIROS band member gives school supplies to a child during the Off-the-Street, On-to-School project (Photo by GABAY)

The Counseling and Testing Division conducted the Off-the-Street, On-to-School project on 31 May 2016 at the SU Building Sunken Lobby.

The project aims to encourage children in their studies and inspire them to pursue their dreams. With the help of the UPLB Gabay Volunteer Corps and the KAIROS band, CTD distributed free school supplies to 204 children from public and private schools near the university.

Gabay volunteers gave some lessons on values education and grooming in order to prepare the children for the school year. Moreover, with the help of their drawings, the children talked about what they wanted to be in the future.

Jensen Edos, one of the Gabay volunteers, said that in order to inspire the children, he showed them photos of personalities who went from rags to riches. "Naniniwala ako na nagsisimula sa pangarap ‘yan (I believe that [success] starts with ambitions.)," he said.

Inspired by the children selling sampaguita garlands at the St. Therese Chapel, Dr. Erick Vernon Y. Dy, Guidance Services Specialist of CTD, initiated the Off-the-Street, On-to-School project 12 years ago. Since then, the project has been conducted annually.