Community Outreach: Fostering Solidarity and Gratitude among NMLC Students

In line with the thrust of Niña Maria Learning Center (NMLC) to nurture social awareness and solidarity, the school successfully hosted its Community Outreach initiative organized by the Pastoral Office, under the leadership of Sr. Ranette L. Angot ODN, Pastoral In-charge, and the support of the Parents' Pastoral Core Team. The outreach involved two impactful activities: Operation Kilo Abot-Kamay and the Solidarity Bazaar, which directly engaged the Grades 4 to 6 students. These activities sought to help them see the value of extending kindness beyond their immediate environment.

Operation Kilo Abot-Kamay: Connecting Generations

Operation Kilo Abot-Kamay engaged Grades 4 to 6 children in direct, meaningful interactions with less fortunate families, particularly in the community of Tambo, Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City, the original location of NMLC. The process began by dividing them into groups, with each group assigned to family beneficiaries identified in and through collaboration with the Barangay Macasandig Administrator, Mr. Marlowe Bolanio.

The children first connected with the families assigned to them by conducting an interview at the Niña Maria Arts Hub a few weeks before the actual “abot-kamay” (gift-giving) day. This initial contact gave them a glimpse into the reality and situations of the latter.

The second phase involved the actual gift-giving. Students, accompanied by chaperone-parents, visited the houses of the beneficiaries and spent up to a maximum of an hour interacting with family members. 

This face-to-face engagement allowed the students to relate with the families on a personal level, extending compassion and understanding in a setting far different from their usual school and home environment.

Landiras (Session) Hall of Niña Maria Arts Hub

The activity was more than just giving material goods. It was about making students realize how blessed they are and inspiring them to feel more grateful for what they have. We believe that the actual home visitation made them discover a world outside their own, teaching them the importance of empathy, gratitude, and openness to a bigger reality beyond their everyday experiences.

Solidarity Bazaar: Sharing with a Purpose

The solidarity bazaar was a concrete expression of NMLC’s commitment to supporting those in need. The event focused on sharing the clothing items collected from students and their families during Advent 2024 to mid-January 2025. The clothing donations were carefully sorted and made available to another set of beneficiaries who were provided with solidarity coupons. These coupons, each carrying a certain value, allowed the recipients to select and “pay” for items at the bazaar, allowing them to choose what they needed most.

A substantial collection of clothing items was still left after holding the Solidarity Bazaar. In line with the desire to be of help to those in most need of it, the Pastoral Team decided to channel these goods to Barangay Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City for the benefit of families whose houses were destroyed by fire and consequently lost belongings and properties. These goods were turned over to the Barangay Officials at the Barangay Hall represented by Councilor Jordan Antolin.

The Solidarity Bazaar embodied the spirit of sharing and mutual support, offering compassion and fostering a deeper connection between NMLC and the broader community.

Impact and Reflection: A Heartwarming Experience

The overall impact of these outreach activities was profound and heartwarming. The children have realized how blessed they are. They learned the importance of gratitude, compassion, and sharing with those who are less fortunate. These experiences also offered an opportunity for them, their class advisers, and the chaperone-parents to understand the original and foundational inspiration of Niña Maria Learning Center. And they have come to appreciate its roots in Tambo, reminding them of the school’s mission of evangelization through education.

Operation Kilo Abot-Kamay and the Solidarity Bazaar served as a vital step in fostering a sense of community, social responsibility, and deeper empathy among the students and the NMLC educational community. Through these activities, the school hopes to gradually nurture a future generation that is not only academically capable but also socially aware and compassionate individuals. 

Some members of the PTC Board and Pastoral Team