RESPONDING THE NEEDS OF MARMOL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: A GESTURE OF COMPASSION AND HOPE
- sshjmcebucomms
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
As enshrined by our charism, we firmly believed that “There are only two things that matter in life: Jesus Christ and the Poor,” anchored by our commitment and approach “Furthest Behind First,” and “No one shall be left behind.”
We would like to share a story of Marmol Elementary School. The aforementioned school stands in the mountainous area of Tuburan, Cebu which requires residents to endure its challenging road conditions and river obstacles for their daily activities. For many of its elementary students, the journey to education is not simple. They must walk as there is limited access of road for vehicles. During rainy season, some of the students who reach school barefoot have walked through shallow rivers and rocky paths while carrying their school bags. We can really testify and witness the struggles of the students and teachers thereat, likewise the family’s financial capacity
Moreover, when the 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck off coast near Bogo City, Cebu. Marmol Elementary School was severely affected, the calamity adds burden to the students, families and teachers in the area. As reported, students were having difficulties to meet their basic necessities including footwear, folding beds (as they stayed outside their shelters temporarily, afraid of the aftershocks), and other non-food items.
In consideration of the situation, the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary- Cebu through the support of Misean Cara for earthquake assistance, the organization immediately coordinated with the school head of Marmol Elementary School and generously offered a humanitarian emergency assistance, with a purpose of empowering the children and their families, and helped them towards hope and recovery. Together with the volunteers, SSHJM-Cebu proceeded outright and distributes the needs of the students thereat. They received footwears, which protected their feet from harm, folding beds (as emergency and accessible bed), butane stove and other cooking essentials.
The gesture of compassion of the organization have contributed to the well-being and dignity of the children in Marmol Elementary School. Furthermore, the humanitarian emergency assistance restored a sense of hope among the students and their families. The children now come to school with confidence and comfort, allowing them to focus on learning and growth. In the face of adversity, they experienced compassion in action, it will remind them that they are not forgotten.
Thus, the intervention made by SSHJM-Cebu serve as a powerful testament of how the organization is compassionate and determine to extend humanitarian services to the survivors of earthquake, not only in Marmol, Tuburan, Cebu, but also to the other northern portion of Cebu, who were affected by the devastating earthquake. The SSHJM-Cebu organization remains committed in its mission in reaching the furthest behind and ensuring that no one shall be left behind.
