Little Hands Learning Center

Little Hands

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

Last spring, EcoSave members traveled to Tanza 1, a remote village in the Philippines, to meet and interact with the children and families living there. EcoSave initiated Little Hands, a daycare center, for these children, and has been sponsoring it ever since. This center provides education but mainly serves as their communal home for children to bond as one family.  

This past summer, these children received an opportunity to have a field trip to downtown Antipolo City. They could experience things they had never seen before: playgrounds, arcades, shopping malls, etc. Supervisors, chaperones, and teachers of the daycare center described the event as life-changing. The children started to have "self-confidence", "[socialized] with each other through various activities", and "learned to listen and give to others." 

One teacher of Little Hands claims that her goal as an educator is to "explore every potential of the students, cultivate them in things they can't do, give them the right and appropriate knowledge, and teach them the good Word of God." Empowered by this disposition, teachers and volunteers strive to help these children daily. By promoting academic and biblical lessons, these teachers hope that the children of Tanza 1 can live a satisfying life. Despite the harsh living conditions, the children are optimistic, verifying how even little acts of service can influence the lives of these children. 

As EcoSave, along with myriad other volunteers, continues to support and nurture Little Hands, the impact of their work extends beyond just education. The field trip to Antipolo City was a glimpse of what these children could achieve with the right opportunities and guidance. The joy, confidence, and sense of community they experienced during this trip have sown seeds of hope and ambition in their young hearts.

Looking ahead, EcoSave is committed to organizing more activities and initiatives that will broaden the lives of these children. We envision a future where children like those of Tanza 1 not only survive but thrive, becoming well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to their community. The work is far from over, but with continued dedication and support, there is a promising path ahead.