On Sept 16 I was accompanied by mam Celestina on a visit to Obo and Cancabalong Elementary Schools to view some of our recently completed projects.

Obo Elementary School

First stop was the Obo Kindergarten class of Mam Josephine to see the new Hexagonal Tables in use by the pupils. The children were excited to tell us all about their classroom adventures and how they love their new tables. They surprised us with a handmade ‘Thank You’ banner. It was wonderful to see the benefits of this project first hand. We also visited Grade VI to see the new outdoor flooring which was completed back in June and to discuss with the pupils about their ideas for future projects to enhance their classroom facilities.

We presented the Obo teachers with a new acrylic signage (thank you to Twin-Bee Print Ads Cebu) to mark our Adopt-A-School program partnership. This will be displayed prominently for visitors to see.

We were able to visit all the classrooms in turn to spend time with the pupils and hear their updates on how they are settling into the new school year.

cabcabalong Elementary School

Our next visit was a hike up the mountain to Sitio Cancabalong where we were greeted excitedly by the pupils and teachers. It’s always a magical transition from the fast paced outside world to the tranquillity and remoteness of this tiny hilltop community.

The highlight of this visit was seeing the long-held dream of a Learning Resource Center finally come to life. The impact of this additional space is immediate, and it is being utilised as a multipurpose room for lessons, PTA meetings, library, safe and dry games room etc. Having moved the large storage cabinets here, it has also created space in the cramped small classrooms which is really welcomed by both teachers and pupils. Everyone is thrilled to have this new facility, and it will deliver an ongoing uplift for the school community.

We also presented the Cancabalong teachers with a new acrylic signage to mark our Adopt-A-School program partnership which will be displayed prominently for visitors to see.

Finally, a note of thank you to a kind and generous donor in Cebu City who gave us a box of useful items and school supplies which were donated to Obo Elementary School.

Thank you to all the teachers and pupils for the big warm welcome. Ten Years of partnership and still going strong. Looking forward to our next Volunteers Visit coming soon.

Mike Hickey – Project Coordinator