NASA specialists reach out to public schoolchildren

MANILA, Philippines - Sabrina Singh, National Aeronautical Space Administration (NASA) astronaut trainer, and Adam Gilmore, NASA lead engineer for space shuttle systems, recently visited Ali Mall in Araneta Center to provide inspiration to 200 indigent children. The event, made possible by the Asia Society Philippine Foundation, Inc. and the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI), is part of an outreach program called “Reaching For Your Star.”

The two NASA specialists led the activities in line with the program’s goal of encouraging school children to reach for their dreams despite life’s challenges. Joining the NASA specialists were Bb. Pilipinas World Czarina Gatbonton and Bb. Pilipinas first runner-up Diane Necio. The beauty queens helped provide inspiration to the children in accordance with BPCI’s own mission to support indigent members of society.

The two NASA specialists also visited various public schools in disaster-stricken areas in Metro Manila to give inspirational talks and space related interactive demonstrations to students. Singh and Gilmore are both active members of the Asia21 Young Leaders Group known for doing advocacy work in youth leadership and education. They recently undertook a similar outreach for school children in Nepal.

Pizza Hut likewise continues to demonstrate its support for the inspiration and motivation of young children through its “Book It!” program — a reading and comprehension activity that aims to motivate children in the early stage to read more and have better comprehension skills.

For more information about the program and other events, log on to www.aranetacenter.net.