(As posted by Ate Sweet in our Yahoo Groups)
Some of the Jologs came upon the Bagong Silang kids through a transcription raket ^_^ Initially, Janice was commissioned by Elmer, a friend, to do transcriptions for the interviews they did for a research. The research was about the getting to know the lives of the Bagong Silang teens. The research was funded by the Danish government and was endorsed through the UP College of Social Work and Community Development (Diliman).
We, (Ully, Ni, Ron, Erin and I) came upon heart-wrenching stories such as about emo-cutting, gangs/frats, isolation, poverty, etc. It only made us realize how lucky we, the Jologs are, as teens. We are well-provided, sheltered and just pure lucky compared to these kids who we listened to on the recordings for many nights (and days). During Alex's birthday, a few of us discussed their stories started to really get interested about these kids and well, we got curious.
The day when the research results were to be presented, Ni and I were invited to observe. Some of the results presented were that kids from these areas do not really have any proper guidance. Their parents do not have time to bond with them since they have to do earn money outside Bagong Silang. These families belong to the Class D, and some are taxi drivers, jeepney drivers, janitors/janitress, labandera, etc. So you understand that time is really, well, not on their side.
The school does not have the capability, as well, to cater to their needs aside from academic needs (which is even questionable :p). Tala High School, of which these kids go to school for, has a ratio of 1:75-80 students per section. Only the top 5 sections are given recognition by the school and the rest of the sections are more often than not, neglected. (For those who went to public schools, you'd know this experience.)
When Ni and I came to talk with them, we found out that these kids are really interested in going to college. Although, some of them are not sure if they are proceeding to college due to lack of finances.
Originally, Ni and I just wanted to share something to the kids. I guess most of the Jologs share the same sentiment, sharing experiences with other people. We thought of touring them at UP Diliman and maybe tour them also at Eco Park. It was a personal quest for us both.
During the Earth Run, which was the Jologs' first run and at the same time the Jologs' first GA, Ni and I talked about how the kids were at Bagong Silang, etc. The first outreach project we thought of was to bring the kids to UP Diliman and tour them ^_^ But then, we later realized, we wanted something more concrete. We wanted to change lives. We wanted to give more than just a one day fun-filled activity. We wanted to help them face their future. We became ambitious.
With this in mind, the Jologs came up with the review session concept. This is to help them get into college. And so this how the BOOK project came to life. It is really the essence of Bringing On Opportunities through Knowledge.
We're not only sharing our time and our resources, we're also helping these kids be enthusiastic about college. To help them alleviate their families from poverty. To equip them and give them a chance to live just as we do.
We hope that you will be supporting this years project and help give these students a bigger chance at life.
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