Nourishing the Treasures for tomorrows success

Taking the cue from the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida and his idea Kariton Klasrum, the Oratorio of San Pablo Apostol Parish in Tondo launched “Kariton ni Pablo”, a localized version that has been designated for the out-of-school youth leaving in the depressed areas within the vicinity of the Parish. This said project aims to address basic needs in terms of  education for the out of school youth who are unable to go to schools for formal education, but other children who are enrolled in the different elementary schools are also welcome to be part of this project.

It’s like a dream come true for the Oratorio to finally get underway and start the “Kariton Ni Pablo”, which was planned and brainstorm for several months ago.  The KNP started its way last February. The first targets of this project are the children leaving in HappyLand. It’s a big hit on its debut because almost 80 children from 7 to 11 years old were gathered and participated. 

The Kariton ni Pablo group, gathered children and divided them into their respective grade level or by their age.  After this, the volunteers known as “Ate’t Kuya” began the teaching lesson of some of academic subjects, Mathematics, English, Filipino and Science. There were also a story telling and an Animation for the big group were children really enjoyed. The Ate’t Kuya were fascinated and amazed for the intelligence of the children, because on the first place most of the registered participants were out-of-school. It was shown on the faces of the children that they are really happy and excited during the whole program. You can also see through their eyes the thirst for the knowledge that they can learn from the real school that they really wish. Aside from that the volunteers were deeply touched by how the children appreciate their effort and time that they have given.

Bringing the Kariton Ni Pablo as the new project for the Oratorio carries a big responsibility for the Parish Youth Council. Gathering materials like notebooks, books, writing materials, educational toys and building the two karitons had been a big challenge. The KNP group also had a hard time to find and orient volunteers for the said project which is not easy as they think on the first place. The Volunteers, especially the Youth Council together with priest-in-charge took almost half of a year to be fully ready and equipped for the Kariton ni Pablo.

In this time, the Kariton ni Pablo still happens every 2^nd and 4^th Saturday of the month reaching out the children in the Aroma (Smokey Mountain2), Temporary Housing and Happyland. Children who really want to join the Kariton ni Pablo are increasing numerously, also the Ates and Kuyas who are willing to teach and nurture the treasures of our country are also increasing. How Oratorio wish that they can bring this intelligent children to the “real school” that the children are wishing and hoping for and to be able to uphold and achieve their dreams. 

"Make Jesus Known so that He may be loved." - St. Magdalene of Canossa