Home-based studies for children with cancer

CEBU, Philippines – Children who were forced to stop their studies because of chemotherapy for cancer are given hope with the launching of Kapwa Ko, Mahal Ko Foundation, Inc.-Cebu's "Kanser-Skwela", a home-based alternative learning system.

The program is line with the group's celebration of its 18th Founding Anniversary last Monday at the Chateau de Busay Restaurant, Cebu City.

The foundation's program is conducted in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and aimed at providing education to children with cancer who have to drop out of the formal educational system.

The program will provide an alternative education to 17 children aged three to eight years old who have never been to school. Other recipients are eight children aged nine to 16 years old who quit school due to chemotherapy.

The target beneficiaries of the project are the children with cancer aged two to 16 years old under the "Pangga-a Sab Ko" project. Eleven of them are from Cebu City, four from the chartered cities of Cebu, five from the Province of Cebu, five from Bohol and three from Biliran and the Province of Mindanao.

Cebu City Councilor Margot Osmeña, president of the foundation, said it has been a wonderful journey for the foundation when one looks back at its achievements since they started 1992. She said that it is not going to be possible without the help of all the volunteers.

She said that with the continuous support, blessings, and cooperation with the local governments of the city and province, the foundation will be able to help more children.

She said they will not stop but continue to grow instead and venture in new activities to expand the services to the children.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who was also present in the event, said that he supports the foundation. Like the foundation, he also celebrated his 18th years as a public servant.

"We have a gift of life, don't waste it, share it, show your care, and show your love. You don't exist alone, we exist with each other. If the reward is not here, for sure it's up there," Rama said. (FREEMAN)