Manila, Philippines - The expression “childlike sense of wonder” indicates a child’s ability to see and experience new possibilities, but many indigent special kids of Aklan and their families were denied the opportunities that wealthier people took for granted until the Center for Possibilities (CFP) offered them a chance of a lifetime.
When CFP founder and head, Dolores Cheng, and her fellow foundation directors and members opened their hearts and hands, they opened the eyes of these children with physical and learning disabilities and their parents to the varied sights and sensations of the island paradise of Boracay for the very first time.
Sadly, many of these children with special needs have never really been out of their homes, much less to a most famous beach that is just in their very backyard. Perhaps sympathetically, a number of parents hid them in a misguided attempt to shield them from the outside world and the possible harm from an ignorant and uncaring populace.
One can then imagine the expressions of wide-eyed wonder and delight in the faces of the children and even their mothers and fathers who had never seen the island sand and beachcombing people in their neighborhood. Their joy outshone the heat of the tropical sun in spreading warmth among CFP members.
“It was very heartwarming to see these people who took time to travel even if it took around two hours or so,” says Cheng. “It was also a sight to behold and to cherish that the parents and children enjoyed not only the island but at the same time, the parents took a break from the struggles and challenges of their normal everyday lives.”
The touching and inspiring community service project was simultaneously a party for the kids and an information campaign, seminar, and support group for the parents.
One of the directors of CFP, Cynthia Gonzales, spoke comprehensively about the care and welfare of children with disabilities. She also spoke about issues that their parents face. Afterwards, an open forum was held in which these parents shared their stories, voiced their concerns, and asked advice from the expert.
CFP head Dolores Cheng secured rides for 40 families, treated them to lunch, and gave them loot bags with grocery items for which they were all grateful. This uplifting CFP activity was made possible through the invitation of Magdalena Prado in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
For further information on service projects, call Tina Callejo at 725-5132.