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HOLIDAY CHEER TAKES ON MEANING
Christmas came to St. Martin de Porres (SMDP), leaving many happy children in its wake. A round of visitors, many of them bearing gifts, brought to residents recently rescued from the streets, an emotion those more fortunate routinely associate with the holiday season: joy.
Various local groups, including representatives of the Lions Club, delegates from neighboring schools' Parent Teacher Associations and their children, and members of the nearby Catholic parishes' women's clubs, all dropped in on the children. They distributed hand-made gifts and bags of school supplies to the young residents, who before coming to SMDP, had passed every other Christmas knowing some children received presents on December 25, but never them.
All that and so much more has changed for them since coming to their new home. In return for all they received from their supporters and benefactors, the children of SMDP showed their thanks by demonstrating how much they are learning now that they no longer have to fight to survive. Thanks to a teacher who travels to SMDP, 14 children are becoming proficient players of the traditional Filipino string instrument the rondalla. Four of those who'd been studying since last January, performed a concert of traditional Filipino songs for appreciative visitor audiences. Thanks to English lessons they started receiving in December, several children were also able to recite English poems and prayers when board members of The John D.V. Salvador Foundation (The JDVSF) and the family of John. D.V. Salvador paid a Christmas Day visit to the home. After distributing gifts to each child, Lizelle Salvador Banziger, Hugo Banziger, Carmelita Salvador, and members of the Salvador family sat back for an all English program the children prepared, which included a rondalla performance, Filipino dance and song, and a poetry recitation. In addition, two children shared with the group stories of their lives on the street before coming to SMDP.
In keeping with the Christmas spirit and the Christian Catholic principles being reinforced by the spiritual education they are now receiving, the children were given the chance to share their good fortune with those they love who remain on the streets. As is customary, SMDP residents who have family, visited their relatives from Dec. 25-29, bringing them rice and canned goods from the larder at SMDP. Many joyfully reunited with brothers and sisters, happy to be able to give them some of the gifts they had received. Fittingly, they rang in the new year at home, back at St. Martin de Porres, and come January 2, they happily returned to their routine, which is another blessing: chores; school; lessons in English, dance, and the Rondalia; playing; and just being kids.
It Takes a Village
Even in the most developed countries, having a host of loving, responsible, and interested adults (parents, family members, teachers, care-givers, doctors, clergy, peers) radically increases a child's chance of having a full, happy, and productive life. In a lesser developed country such as the Philippines, children can easily fall prey to the hazards of a harsh economic reality. For many, the widespread poverty restricts access to adults who are capable of providing them the protection and emotional and financial support they need to grow, prosper, and realize their full potential.
Thanks to The John D.V. Salvador Foundation the children who live at St. Martin de Porres now have the beginnings of that support structure. A burgeoning global village of financial supporters and volunteers is uniting to make all the facilities that will one day form the St. Martin Children's Village possible. So far, roughly USD$130,000 has already been raised, making possible the commencement of Phase 1: construction of a dormitory for the older boys of the residence who are currently sleeping in a retired city bus that has been outfitted with sleeping. Thanks to the growing number of friends of The John D.V. Salvador Foundation, ground breaking is planned for February 20, 2006, the 23rd anniversary of the accident that took John D.V. Salvador's life. In preparation, soil boring has been completed with the soil analysis reports now under review by principals of the architectural firm, Anglo Partners & Architects, who have also retained an electrical engineer to conduct site assessment.
Visit The John D.V. Salvador Foundation to see how construction is progressing
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Open slideshow
The children of St. Martin welcome The JDVSF visitors with music and song.
Father Boyet leads Christmas Day Mass.
Lizelle Salvador Banziger and Hugo Banziger brightened Christmas Day for the children of St. Martin on behalf of The JDVSF.
Children enjoy their Christmas gifts from The JDVSF.
Performing arts is now part of the children’s curriculum.
The JDVSF visitors were treated to a special rondalla performance.
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