By Maurice Librea, past president of the Rotary Club of Cubao Edsa, Quezon City, Philippines
Recently, we celebrated the fourth year of our signature project by dedicating three hours to a facility that offers residential care for abandoned, neglected, and orphaned individuals with disabilities.
Cottolengo Filipino is located in Rodriguez, Rizal. On our visit, we encountered children with a range of disabilities – autism, cerebral palsy, mental illness, and more. Their frail physiques and innocent eyes conveyed stories of abandonment and longing. It was a gut-wrenching experience that weighed heavy on our hearts.
Our service project aimed to provide sustainable assistance to these special children, who are among the most vulnerable among us. We distributed school supplies and tablets in recognition of the transformative power of technology in teaching special education students – especially those with autism. In addition, we provided essentials like frozen food, milk, canned goods, and more to address basic needs.
But beyond the tangible items we brought, what truly shone through was the hope and joy we witnessed in those we came to visit. Spending time with these children and the dedicated caregivers at Cottolengo Filipino reminded us of the resilience of the human spirit. Despite their challenges, their laughter and smiles radiated hope and touched our hearts in ways we cannot fully express.
We didn’t just bring supplies, we immersed ourselves in the care of these special children. We spent time playing with them and engaging in activities that brought smiles to their faces and joy to their hearts. We looked after a child who required feeding through a nasogastric tube, ensuring their comfort and well-being throughout our visit. This hands-on approach allowed us to connect with the children on a deeper level, nurturing their physical and emotional needs with love and compassion.
It is our mission as Rotarians not only to create change but also to bring it home to these children who deserve every ounce of love and support we can offer. Let us continue to spread hope, joy, and compassion in every community we serve, making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Together, let’s be beacons of light to guide children toward brighter futures filled with love, opportunity, and endless possibilities.
https://blog.rotary.org/2024/03/07/bringing-hope-and-joy-to-abandoned-neglected-filipino-children/