The Visions of Hope Christian School (VOHCS) got off to a wonderful
start in the new academic year with a total of 718 students in 29 schools -- 14
schools in Luzon, five in the Visayas, and 10 in Mindanao.
In the pre-schools
(composed of more than 600 children from the poorest families in the communities) morning
and afternoon sessions are held from Monday to Thursday, with the more advanced
students attending the morning sessions. "One of the school goals for the year is for all children
who are five years and younger to be readers by December," said Tina Gellor, principal.
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| Children at the Visions of Hope Christian School in Intramuros, Manila recite Psalm 112:5, "A good man will guide with discretion," led by Teacher Angel Lazaro. |
On Fridays, the children attend joint classes consisting of
Children’s Brigade marching drills and lessons in music, arts, and physical education. While
the children attend these sessions, their parents learn how to do follow-up work
on lessons taught during the week, pick up homework for the weekend, and attend discipleship meetings. "Doors are
opened for ministry to parents as well," said Principal Tina. "We still have parents from last school
year coming back for Bible study this year!"
Aside from the pre-schools, VOHCS has started first grade in
Intramuros, Manila, and in Malungon, Saranggani on the southern island of
Mindanao.
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| Children sing, "Jesus is best and all to me, He is the One who died for me so from sin I could be free." |
In the boarding school
program for former street dwelling children, VOHCS has 52 children in grade
school and 21 boys in high school. The
grade schoolers are temporarily housed at the Training and Development
Institute campus in Magdalena, four towns from Bay, Laguna, where construction
of a chapel, dormitory, academic building, and pool are nearing
completion. VOHCS hopes to move the children
back to Bay in October.
Some 150 students in the towns of Midsayap, Aleosan, and Libungan, also on the
island of Mindanao, have signed up to attend Alternative Learning System classes. The program has modules on all subjects in formal grade schools and high schools. The classes prepare out--of-school youth to take
grade school and high school equivalency tests. "This is one way of bringing hope to underprivileged youth, and even to adults," said ALS teacher Zuraida Alih. "One of our students is a woman who is over 50 years of age. It is also an easy way to share the Gospel. Our classes include Bible readings and devotions," Zuraida added.
Photos by Vivian Ataylar and Angel Lazaro
