Project IGNITE Event Summary
On April 6, 2024, Project IGNITE was held at the Department of Social Work and Development - National Capital Region - Reception and Study Center for Children (DSWD-NCR-RSCC). It seeks to contribute to alleviating problems surrounding the lack of education and access to learning resources by teaching children basic skills like dance, arts and crafts, literacy skills, and basic hygiene. These skills were taught by the different clubs present in APEC Schools New Manila, namely:
- AMPLIFY
- Creative Works (Arts Club)
- Descendance (Dance Club)
- First Responders
To know more about the project, articles related to Project IGNITE may be viewed in the Quarter 2 (Detailed Description and Goals) and Quarter 3 (Fundraising) issues.
All the hard work of involved clubs, organizations, companies, and academic staff paid off as APEC Schools New Manila won the “Most Outstanding Project of the Year - Gold”: the most prestigious award given to the Student Council during the APEX-SL workshop.
During the last week of December for this School Year, the Student Council started a donation drive that ran until February 29, 2024. Students and others interested in helping were encouraged to donate hygiene products and educational materials as part of the project’s purpose.
Last December 28, 2023, the Student Council visited various orphanages to formally ask for approval to hold Project IGNITE in their venue. After searching and proposing the project near APEC New Manila, DSWD-RSCC accommodated the Student Council and allowed them to implement the project.
During the course of the Christmas Break, the Student Council also analyzed what other items they could give the orphanage that may require assistance. They identified companies that provide such and formally emailed them in hopes that they accommodate requests for assistance or sponsorship. After several attempts last January 16, TVP Dental B Corporation accommodated their request and willingly sent toothbrushes to the Student Council free of charge.
After the donation drive ended, the month of March served as the time to organize all donations to give to the orphanage. The donations mainly consisted of hygiene products, old textbooks, clothes, school supplies, and canned products. The clubs involved also gave gifts to the children as their way of showing gratitude to the children like coloring materials and snacks. The clubs also gave an outline of what they will do to organize the program flow.
As April 6 drew near, the Student Council visited DSWD-RSCC to plan out the preparations. They also made publication materials and playlists, contacted assigned personnel for transportation and food, signed the necessary documents for implementation, and prepared choreography for the children’s entertainment.
The Student Council, Moderators, and Club Volunteers visited onsite to prepare everything they needed for the event and rehearse their respective activities from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. The involved staff left the site at around 12:30 P.M. to prepare for the project in DSWD-RSCC as the event ran from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
While the involved staff were preparing, they recall being nervous as they were uncertain about what would happen during the event and if the kids would enjoy all the activities they prepared for them. When they saw the children greeting them upon entering the venue, their nervousness was alleviated by all the warm smiles they gave them. Zarieal Johan Mante (Creative Works Club Volunteer) mentioned, “I didn't think it was going to be that fun with the kids. I can say it was chaotic but fun,” referencing the noise, inattention, and mess the kids made.
The event started with a dance performance by the Student Council followed by snack time to follow their break time schedule. After the children ate their snacks, the Amplify representatives did a puppet show about Pagong at Matsing. The Creative Works Club then followed with a coloring and line-tracing activity related to the story; they also gave coloring materials and toys.
After playtime, the First Responders Club taught the children how to wash their hands properly and conducted identification games. They also showed a video about a child who did not want to take a bath and how it affected him. The Dance Club performed a dance and organized activities for the children to learn different types of dances. These activities allowed the children to have fun while
After playtime, the First Responders Club taught the children how to wash their hands properly and conducted identification games. They also showed a video about a child who did not want to take a bath and how it affected him. The Dance Club performed a dance and organized activities for the children to learn different types of dances. These activities allowed the children to have fun while learning new things, applying them, and expressing themselves freely.
After the event, the Student Council gave certificates of appreciation to everyone involved in the project and donated the remaining items to the staff of DSWD-NCR-RSCC.
Publicly available information stated that the DSWD-NCR-RSCC accommodated neglected, abandoned, and abused children. This made the staff feel that throughout the project, they felt fortunate for the situation they were in and the things they had. They feel that the issues addressed by the project were fulfilling as they personally witnessed and experienced the activities they prepared.
Collectively, they highlighted the importance of taking responsibility for obligations you need to do for your family. As humans, it is important to care for one another. They feel grateful that the staff has a good relationship with their families. They also highlighted the importance of education in areas where it is inaccessible and how it is necessary to share it for the betterment of our society.
Awards
As highlighted in the Special Clubs Recognition that happened last May 17, 2023, the Student Council was awarded the following awards:
The “Most Outstanding Project of the Year (Gold)” award was the main highlight of the day as Lipa (Kapit-Bisig) and New Manila (Project IGNITE) were left on stage. The audience was feeling the thrill and rush of nervousness as the winner was about to be announced, explaining the gist of both their projects.
“Project IGNITE proves that teamwork makes the dream work. They believe that involving all members of the school and the community, [...], can create change and bring hope to the less fortunate. They remain steadfast despite setbacks and failures, [...]. Truly, a gritty attitude of an APEC Schools student,” said Sir Antonio Mallari Jr. (Prefect of Student Life and Development).
In the end, both branches were title-holders of the award. Screams and jumps of excitement echoed throughout the NTC Social Hall. All the efforts, energy, time, and tears that led to that moment felt worth it in the end.
“The mind is enriched by what we receive, the heart is by what we give.” - Victor Hugo
This quote fully encapsulates the goals of Project IGNITE. Collaboration with different clubs and organizations proves that it leaves an impact and shows the transformative effect of increasing education accessibility, community support, and charity to the less fortunate. Another gold award serves as a testament to the commitment the staff has in their hearts to make a difference and make warm smiles and memories that will last a lifetime.
This is Project IGNITE, Inspiring Growth, Nurturing Individuals Toward Excellence. The project may have come to an end, but the heart to serve lives on forever.
