HK students lend a hand in P’sinan ‘Brigada Eskwela’

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – Students from the International Christian School (ICS) in Hong Kong are here to join volunteers in two schools for the National Schools Maintenance Week or “Brigada Eskwela.”

Brian Van Tassel, ICS high school principal, said every year, their students go to different places, either in Hong Kong or other parts of the world, to learn some things that would be helpful to them in their future.

“We just don’t want them to go out into the world and make a lot of money. We want them to learn to become good citizens of the world and to serve and make a difference,” Van Tassel said.

The ICS students brought all the materials they needed and painted the concrete fence of the West Central Elementary School to give it a facelift.

Van Tassel and 11 ICS students also extended help to the Living Lights Academy in Barangay Bonuan Gueset, repairing damaged chairs and varnishing them.

Aside from participating in “Brigada Eskwela,” the ICS group also met youths in their church, spent a day with deaf and handicapped people, and fed 100 children in Barangay Bonuan Tondaligan, according to Pastor Mario Tomboc of Living Lights Academy.

Van Tassel said, “We also learn a lot from the people of the Philippines. We find Filipinos very friendly, welcoming and have a servant heart to each other, so that’s inspiring to us.”