First Steps

I suppose I should write something about my connections with Alinunu. Yes, lots of my family on my mother's side have gone there, but from what my parents tell me, I also have a little history of my own with the school.

I have been to the Philippines a few times, but all when I was very young and I hardly remember anything. Even back then, I was really into books, and had brought some with me that I was really attached to, and had even memorized. They were simple learning-to-read books, like Green Eggs and Ham and other Dr. Seuss-style books.

My family over there had very few books of their own, and the few they had were old, poor quality, made with cheap paper, so when it came time to leave, my parents decided to leave some of my books behind. They thought my cousins would like them, and they would probably last longer than the books that they had already.

In 2008, my mother and younger sister visited the Philippines, since my sister had never been there before. When they were there, my mother was surprised to see that my Dr. Seuss books were still in use. In fact, schools in the area were passing them around to each other, borrowing them and using them to teach their classes. After I had left the Philippines years ago, those books had been quickly replaced, and then discarded as I got older and my reading interests widened, but the few that I had left behind had become highly valued tools, requested by schools and teachers and probably other families over the years.

Isn't it strange that simple books that everyone in the US seems to have read are so important over there? That's why I think this project can improve things over there. Just a few books have gained regional fame in the area I visited. How much could we help if we could help provide for a library in one of their schools?

Anyhow, that's all I've got. I do have a little background with the school. And this is one of the reasons why I think this is so important.

First Shipment!

Today, we sent out our first shipment of books and supplies to the Philippines. The El Dorado Hills Library generously donated a lot of reading books for us to send. And I mean a LOT of books. They took up a box and a half on their own. So thank you, EDH Library!

We also got to send twelve dictionaries, 60 boxes of crayons, and 160 pencils to help supply the classrooms.

The boxes will be shipped to Rowena Orteza, the PTA president of Alinunu Elementary, and all books and supplies will go to the school from there. They should arrive in the Philippines in about 35 days.

I'd like to thank the El Dorado Hills Library, Lois Gossard, and Tim and Helen Lewis for their generous donations! Everything helps!

Beginnings

Well, this is the first post of hopefully a lot about the progress of the project.

Last night I talked to Rowena Orteza, the PTA President of Alinunu Elementary. She said that the school could probably use reference books in math, reading, and writing; dictionaries; reading books; and Bibles (as every classroom has a spiritual corner). Tonight, I will talk with her again to get the contact information of the Head Teacher (the equivalent of an American principal), Mrs. Merlina Pacis, and I will get in touch with her so I can confirm what she would like us to send.

On Monday, I intend on talking to the local library, to see if they have any extra books that the school would need.

That's all for now.