For kids, by kids
September 10, 2006 | 12:00am
Francis Papica is a name that rings a loud bell when it comes to people doing "good deeds." Originally hailing from Bicol, but now a prominent attorney-at-law with the Orange County, California law firm of Nordstrom, Steele, Nicolette and Blythe, Francis is one of those Fil-Americans who made it a point to never forget his roots. The Francis Padua Papica Foundation rests on the three cornerstones of leadership, scholarship and community service. A Youth Leadership Conference, a "College Bound Program," and a "Read to Live: Libro Ko Para Sa’Yo Program" are some of the activities that have distinguished this foundation.
As part of the "Read to Live" campaign, a story-writing contest is now ongoing for interested kids between the age of six and 12. All they have to do is submit their story (with illustrations, if possible) before Sept. 16, to Mga Kwentong Pambata ni Papica c/o Backroom Inc., Unit 207, CRM Building, 116 Kamias Road, Quezon City. Francis plans to choose 17 stories, to correspond with the 17 regions of the Philippines, and each winning entry will be awarded a cash prize of P10,000, and a box full of books. The stories will then be compiled into a book that should be out by the end of November. As Francis quips, "A book for kids, by kids! This is one of the first times something like this has been attempted here in the Philippines." Stories can be in Tagalog or English, but not in some mix of the two languages, and not longer than 1,500 words.
I joked with Francis, given the cash inducement, what sort of protection or guarantee would we have that entries were really written by the child entering said contest. It is so easy for parents, or some teacher, to play the "fairy godfather or mother of Inspiration." There is an entry form that has to be filled up, and one can go to the Papica Foundation website, the Literacy campaign link, to retrieve this form; and in the form, there is a declaration that has to be accomplished by the parent or guardian.
But beyond this possibility of "dirty tricks" (and why do I suddenly think of local baseball/softball?), the project is definitely a great one, encouraging school kids to not only read, but now create their own stories, and see these stories get published. Of such things, dreams are made of; and it is in the nature of a Francis to dream and try to make some things come true.
As part of the "Read to Live" campaign, a story-writing contest is now ongoing for interested kids between the age of six and 12. All they have to do is submit their story (with illustrations, if possible) before Sept. 16, to Mga Kwentong Pambata ni Papica c/o Backroom Inc., Unit 207, CRM Building, 116 Kamias Road, Quezon City. Francis plans to choose 17 stories, to correspond with the 17 regions of the Philippines, and each winning entry will be awarded a cash prize of P10,000, and a box full of books. The stories will then be compiled into a book that should be out by the end of November. As Francis quips, "A book for kids, by kids! This is one of the first times something like this has been attempted here in the Philippines." Stories can be in Tagalog or English, but not in some mix of the two languages, and not longer than 1,500 words.
I joked with Francis, given the cash inducement, what sort of protection or guarantee would we have that entries were really written by the child entering said contest. It is so easy for parents, or some teacher, to play the "fairy godfather or mother of Inspiration." There is an entry form that has to be filled up, and one can go to the Papica Foundation website, the Literacy campaign link, to retrieve this form; and in the form, there is a declaration that has to be accomplished by the parent or guardian.
But beyond this possibility of "dirty tricks" (and why do I suddenly think of local baseball/softball?), the project is definitely a great one, encouraging school kids to not only read, but now create their own stories, and see these stories get published. Of such things, dreams are made of; and it is in the nature of a Francis to dream and try to make some things come true.
BrandSpace Articles
<
>