It is still weeks before Christmas Day but the children of Balay Pasilungan have began to receive early gifts from the students of Stockbridge American International School (SAIS).
“Balay Pasilungan” is a safe place for young street boys located at Bankerohan. Opened in May of 1989, the Foundation of Balay Pasilungan, Inc. has worked to serve the needs of street children in Davao City. The center is administered by the Society of Mary-Marist Fathers and Brothers.
The orphans were the school’s special guests for its Christmas Tree lighting activity. The kids also received gifts from the families of the Pre-Kindergarten students. The activity aims to teach the young students that Christmas basically means sharing what they have not just material things but also those that can be felt such as warm and a tight hug, a simple thank you, showing appreciation and forgiveness among other.
The orphans were also entertained with various performances of the students presenting the various Christmas symbols like the Nativity by the Lion Heart Drama Club and Stockbridge Voices, candy canes by the Grade 4, wreath (Grade 3), angels (Grade 2), Santa Claus (Kinder and Grade 1), and stockings (Grade 5).
They were also taught the importance of recycling through the various lanterns in the “parol” presentation created by the students of the different grade levels. These lanterns were all made up of recyclable materials such as plastic spoons, bottle caps, newspapers, and many more.
The boys went home with hearts full of gratitude and joy.
