Faceless Readers

Son #3, a lawyer, enunciated this as though handing down a courtroom decision, "No, Mom, you cannot upload photos of minors without their parents' permission." 

"But I am blogging about the SISFU Rotaract, how civic-conscious the students are. It's not about the children, who are just the recipients of their kindness." 

"Okay, Mom, you may upload the photos but you need to blur each and every face." 

That was a tedious process, but it's better than going to jail.  

I have always been proud of the SISFU Rotaract Club in the university where I teach. Most of the members have been my students. 

A bit of a background: 

The Rotaract began as a Rotary International youth program in 1968 in the US, and has grown into a major organization of 11,172 clubs around the world with nearly 170,000 members in 189 geographic areas.

It is composed of young leaders, ages 18 and older, who develop innovative solutions to local problems by partnering with community officials. By providing creative services, they help transform communities. 

In the Philippines today, one of our most pressing problems is the inability of 90% of our schoolchildren (ages 10 and below) to read. One of the solutions given by authorities is storytelling. It helps kids improve their understanding and retention of content. In the process, it is likely they will be interested in reading on their own. 

Aware of this, the club decided on a Christmas party that highlighted storytelling to children in a public school. They chose the book "Bully versus Bully" (illustrations by Leo Kempis Ang and published by Hiyas of OMF Lit) that focuses on another national concern: bullying.  

When they wrote me about the project and asked if I could partner with them by providing copies of the book, I felt humbled. Unfortunately, I only had three remaining copies. They said my other books on values will be as good as Christmas presents to the kids. The project was held on campus.   

Bullying and love of reading? 

Two major problems can't be solved in one sitting. But seeing the enthusiasm of the 41 children (with clearly delighted faces on the original, unretouched photos) over the story and the books, this project is a big leap toward a changed community. 

Without doubt, grace will carry the SISFU Rotaract through in their next worthy project.