BBBS - Big Brother Big Sister

Regardless of creed, race or social class, every child has the right to education. Reading and writing may come naturally for some of us, but not for many children in the Philippines due to poverty.

For these children, going to school is another step to getting out of their impoverished plight. Yet, despite the presence of public schools, many parents lack the financial resources to provide their child with school bags, notebooks, pens or paper. For families who could barely afford a decent meal, these things are hardly a priority. Each day, parents face the dilemma of sending the child to class without school supplies or sending him to the streets to earn a few bucks. The sad reality is - there are more children in the streets than in the classrooms. This situation is prevalent in several areas of the country, especially in the remote areas where towns are only accessible by foot and school supplies are scarce.

BBBS - Big Brother Big Sister

The BBBS - BIG BROTHER BIG SISTER outreach program was conceived by mountaineering groups in the Philippines in the year 2005, with the goal of addressing the needs of children in such remote areas. If their parents do not have to worry about providing school supplies, then they might encourage the kids to attend classes and stay there.

Through the BBBS, you have a chance to become a big brother or big sister to a child thousands of kilometers away. For only THREE HUNDRED PHILIPPINE PESOS (P 300.00), you will be able to sponsor one student''s school set which contains the following items: 1 knapsack, 7 notebooks, 4 ball-point pens, 4 pencils, writing pads, crayons, sharpener and ruler.

If you wish to lend a hand, you may send in your pledges for one or more children now… or kindly send this message to your friends, relatives or colleagues who might wish to.

For pledges & donations, please get in touch with any of the ffg.:

Cherry Pie Valencia: pieb2k6@gmail.com or +639209603407

Jhoana Pimentel: Jhoana.Pimentel@bakernet.com or +639217590434

Kim San Juan: eekly_05@yahoo.com or +639178923459

Now on its third year, BBBS owes its success to donors and volunteers who earnestly heeded the call for big brothers and sisters. Through their generosity, BBBS brought hope to 295 children in Itogon, Benguet in the year 2005 and 535 children in Lacub, Abra in the year 2006. Volunteers braved the dust, heat and steep trails, just to transport the school supplies to the kids.

For this year''s project, BBBS has set its sights on the children of Tanudan, Kalinga, with an initial target of 500 kids. BBBS is calling for volunteers to help bring the supplies to the kids. Come and meet the child you sponsor … Hand over the school set to him personally. To see the unspoken gratitude in a child''s eyes is priceless!

For more information on the project, you may visit the BBBS website: at http://bbbs.freehostia.com.

For volunteers, please get in touch with any of the following:

Angel Constantino: angelamc23@gmail.com or +639175375276

Medi Nazar: meds511@yahoo.com or +639217773267

Sharon Ponio: sdrponio@yahoo.com or +639178010033

Kindle the Flames of Hope

If you are reading this, think of all the children who may never learn how to read this properly. The children in these areas were born into this world the same way that you were - without any clothes. If you can read and write, don''t they deserve the same?

Perchance, your pledge might just be what is needed for that little push in the right direction - to keep the kids in school. Kindle the flames of hope for a better tomorrow … Be a sponsor or a volunteer today!

BBBS - BIG BROTHER BIG SISTER
Big dreams begin with small steps!