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We'll be putting together a final picture gallery soon but to supplement the last picture update here are some more images of the project.
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For the last picture update click here
When we left Tondo School for the last time, Jane Walker, the CEO of the Philippines Community Fund gave me a card.
This is what she said:-
Dear David and company,
Thank you so much for coming out to be with us. Now you know at first hand that we are a small charity struggling to meet overwhelming needs. But you and the boys have made our load lighter.
The children needed a place to play, so badly and I suspect the playground will be one reason why children will look forward to school even more.
That in itself is a huge achievement but the legacy that has been left behind is that for a few hours a day children can forget the worry of their parents- how will they eat? How will they survive?
If I had to sum up in one sentence what was the difference you made, I would say,
"You gave back to the PCF students a piece of their childhood that was
missing- you gave them the joy of play and fun."
One element in their lives that is sorely lacking.
I hope all of you will look back to this time, knowing that you DID make a difference, and there are not many people in this world who can say that.
Boys, don't stop helping people wherever you are- it will make you a strong man.
With love to you all,
Jane Walker
Today is Tuesday and I just caught up on some sleep because I was so tired after all the hard work me and the lads put into making the playground and painting a school.
The trip to the Philippines went amazing and it's so hard to try and get back to life in England. Ii miss the heat and helping out in the school. All the children are so friendly and want to be your friend and always try and hold your hand, high5 you or hug you. They are all great people and I would like to go out there again sometime.
I would like to say a special thanks to Bezzer, Wilko, Mr Miagi, Hutch and Nozzer for creating the trip, and I would also like to say thanks to all the lads for making the trip as good as it was and making everything happen x
Good luck to everyone in the future
x Love Jefferz x
This is our last full day in Manila- Tuesday 26th February).
We were up at 7.30a.m. (11.30p.m. on Monday night UK time).A final visit to our favourite restaurant for breakfast, an departure from the hotel at 10.00a.m.
Our trusty jeepnie, which had been of such good service to us throughout our visit, chose this day to give up the ghost, when a halfshaft broke at a busy intersection.
The recovery operation is something I would prefer to forget, especially when we were once again stranded, this time in the fast lane of a dual carriageway.
When we finally reached the school, everything changed for the better, as we quickly launched into a series of photoshoots for our sponsors- playground equipment, footballs and football strips.
In the afternoon we attended a very moving assembly, which the staff had prepared with the children, to show their appreciation for our efforts.
We headed out to the airport at 5.00p.m., once again fighting our way through the Manila traffic jams in hot and humid conditions.
This final blog comes to you from the tranquil surroundings of an air conditioned departure lounge- the boys have taken full advantage of the inclusive food and drink which comes with the deal all for about four pounds per person.
We are due to leave at twenty minutes after midnight (4.20p.m. UK time).
Then nine hours to Dubai, a two and a half hour stopover and another eight hours to London.
See you all tomorrow.
Bezza
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It's the last night!
I keep visualising the first day I walked into the school. I saw the adorable big smiles and from that moment, knew why I had to come. After only being here 2 weeks, it has already had a major influence on my life. I have realised how very lucky I am back at home in England. I am stunned with these amazing little children and how happy they really can be from such a small change in their lives.
Pretty much about ready to crash now...haven't even left the Philippines yet and I cannot wait to come back.
Love JON XXXXXXXX
Hi 6M,
Where's 6H? Hope you're loving MacBeth. Look forward to seeing you very soon. 17 hours on a plane. Nightmare!
Love all your work. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mr H XXX
On Thursday I met the British Ambassador. My name is George and this is the first time I hade met someone that had represented Britain. He was a really nice man and you could have a normal conversation with him. I introduced myself before dinner and then took my seat. One of the seats next to me was vacant .He walked over and said "Is this seat taken?" I obviously said "No sir." T hen I started to have quite a pleasent conversation with him.
I thanked him for having us but he just said it was no trouble. The dinner that his cook provided for us was the best meal I've had so far. It was brilliant. After dinner we had a few pictures taken with the Ambassador and the group in his garden which was also one of the most well kept gardens I have ever seen. The grass was like velvet.
All in all, as soon as you walk into his house you almost forget that you were in one of the poorest countries in the world. After the photos I asked the Ambassador how he helps the Philippines. He listed so many on going projects that are going on to try and help the Goverment ,the children, the economy etc so I was very impressed.
Love to all at home
George XX
Until this Monday I had never written a school report containing the words “… suffers from first degree malnutrition and lives in a house made out of blankets and scrap materials” If this is not amazing enough the report then goes on to say that the same child is making good academic progress, is friendly and considerate and produces neat and tidy work. The standard of work and happiness and work that the children in the Philippine Community Fund’s schools in Manila make is incredible and I feel very privileged to be part of it albeit for a short period of time.
Our boys have made a fantastic effort building the playground, and painting out the Navotas school. As I write this blog sitting in the staff room the Tondo school all the equipment is in place and some of the boys are out there putting the finishing touches to it. We have had to be a bit creative getting things done after some of our tools and equipment went walkabout – but with the skill of the boys, staff and especially local people it has all worked fine despite some nail biting moments!
