MANILA, Philippines - A group of volunteers from TRails to Empower Kids or TREK sailed to Fuga Island recently to bring aid to children who live there. For eight years now, the group has been going to the country’s most remote destinations to help isolated communities.
The recent outreach was special as the group also piloted its “Munting Aklatan,” a project it co-organized with the United Architects of the Philippines-Manila Corinthian Chapter (UAP-MCC).
Fuga Island is an island in the municipality of Aparri, Cagayan, which is also part of the Babuyan archipelago, the second-northernmost island group in the Philippines.
“It started with an album of mini libraries from all over the world that I reposted on my social networking site with a caption that states my wish to have these libraries all over the country. My friend Omar Palero, who is also president of UAP-MCC, expressed support and that is how it all started,” says Kelly Austria, co-founder of TREK.
Munting Aklatans are mini libraries intended for community centers such as multi-purpose halls or other places where people gather. The mini libraries are stocked with storybooks, which can be borrowed for free.
“We intend to replenish these books after a certain period. We promised the recipients that as long as they take care of the libraries, we will keep adding new books,” Austria said.
UAP-MCC took care of designing and building the mini libraries. It solicited the help of the UAP Student Auxiliary of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila for the painting of the mini libraries, which made each one unique in design. The painting session was done at Victoria Court in Malate.
“Our dream is to fill every corner of the country with mini libraries,” Palero said.
Six mini libraries were installed on Fuga Island. A mini library went to each of the six sitios of the island and were entrusted to the care of their local officials.
Aside from the mini libraries, the volunteers of TREK also brought the children of Fuga new backpacks, school supplies, slippers, art kits, hygiene kits, loot bags and toys.
The mini libraries are just part of TREK’s projects. Last year, in Sta. Elena, it piloted a playground made of recycled tires. The group has also been producing backpacks made from old tarps, which also provide livelihood assistance to out-of-school children in Antipolo.
TREK is composed mostly of mountaineers who decided to add a deeper dimension to their hobby. It has conducted 21 outreach programs plus four relief operations. It has served 37 schools, with around 5,000 students.
“Help depends on what the community needs…,”Austria said.