Teaching Them How to Love

One of the most impactful things I've experienced during my time in Manila is the ALS program. It is truly Bosconian, and all the sisters and teachers in the program are angels. ALS stands for Alternative Learning System, and it is a program that the government has set up and created modules for the different school subjects. It was created for those kids, and adults to receive their diploma after they have dropped out of school or had to stop going to school for a while and now are far behind. The participants in the program are the street children whose lives have been nothing but difficult all their life.

When Don Bosco School started this program last July I was not around the see the first batch of students when they first arrived but I was told of their experience having to reprimand the students for stealing each others' wallets and cellphones.

The first batch of kids are so grateful for this opportunity to receive an education that they have transformed their lives from hatred and anger to love and respect. The sister in charge, Sr. Ailyn read from the bible everyday and they visit the chapel before the lesson starts, and this has made them realize and experience God for themselves. Many of the kids don't know how to love because they have not been loved in their lives and have had a very difficult life, but through the teachers and sisters and many volunteers, there is such a great change in them. They are very respectful and kind, and even help sweep everyday after class.

Now we have enrolled the first students from VIDES into the program at DBS. We have a fight almost everyday between the two areas that are coming. There are about 35 kids who attend, and many of them do not know how to read or write. They are really in 1st grade, but most are around 11-13 years old. They have barely ever got a chance to study in school, but rather are on the street stealing and begging to get food for their families. So now, God is starting to transform these kids into better people with the help of VIDES and DBS.

The other day we had a bad incident when one boy was teasing a girl and the girl decided to throw a rock at him and it hit him in the head and he started bleeding all over. We have to teach them to apologize because they don't know how, and that their actions have consequences. All they know is violence and retaliation and it will be a challenge to change that mind set.

Please pray for these kids that God will transform their lives and for the patience of the sisters, teachers, and volunteers. It is truly the most impactful way of changing lives and it can only be done through the love that God has shown to us.