Cie's gift of gold

CEBU, Philippines -  Earl Ng is a graduating high school student at the Centre for International Education. At a young age, he is already a CEO. Together with his classmates, he runs Mypabags, a business enterprise which sells eco-friendly bags in a local barangay. This venture done by a group of 12th graders from CIE would not have been realized without their school's Gift of Gold program.

Already on its fourth year, CIE's Gift of Gold program aims to hone their students' entrepreneurial skills and, at the same time, help underprivileged individuals in their community.

Although Mypabags is under the management of Earl Ng's class, all of its profit goes to their beneficiary and partner, Myrna Pador.

The Gift of Gold program is the brainchild of the school's founder and president, Professor Nelia Cruz-Sarcol. Each class from Level 7 up to Level 12 adopts a beneficiary, usually a skilled individual from a family with marginal income, and both parties will coordinate in putting up a business venture that can serve as the beneficiary's livelihood. At the end of the school year, each class is tasked to present their business before a panel.

This school year's business presentation was conducted last March 26 at the CIE Main Campus.

Their panel composed of distinguished individuals from the business sector namely, Mr. Eric Ng Mendoza, Dr. Esterlina Kotake, Mr. Jose de Castro, and Ms. Romelinda Cruz Garces. Among the businesses presented were Casepouchix, Darlene's Little Treasures, and Quikpiks Photography Services, etc.

Throughout the presentations, many students shared that through their projects, they have learned the value of teamwork, the difficulty of putting up a business, and most significantly, how important it is to help other people.

According to Mr. Jeruel Roa, the Gift of Gold is a school project that encompasses the students' Business Studies and Values Formation classes.

However, with their dedication to guide and lend a hand, this project would encompass more than just a school grade. It's all about cultivating the kids' social responsibility and molding them to become conscientious citizens in the community.  (FREEMAN)