FedEx, GK celebrate 'moving up' of preschool kids

MANILA, Philippines - FedEx Express and Gawad Kalinga (GK) recently celebrated the successful completion of another school year for over 200 FedEx-Gawad Kalinga Sibol preschool students. The “moving up” ceremonies heralded the students’ advancement to the next level of their education.

For five years, more than 1,000 children aged three to six have been given access to quality, values-based education through the Sibol school program. FedEx supports this program in GK communities in Parañaque, Zambales, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Sultan Kudarat, and Bukidnon. The program encourages skills development and values formation among these children as they prepare for primary education.

FedEx funded the employment of school teachers as well as the construction and operation of eight FedEx-GK Sibol Schools.

FedEx employee volunteers play an active role in improving the lives of the children and their communities. The volunteers helped construct the schools and organize regular educational and community development activities to complement the overall curriculum.

In 2010, FedEx volunteers organized an eco-tour for the Sibol children at the Avilon Zoo in Rizal, allowing them to experience nature first-hand and learn about environmental conservation. FedEx also conducted the “FedEx Eco Express” program, where a FedEx truck delivered plants and a team of volunteers to a GK community. The volunteers helped the children clean up their schools, and taught them how waste segregation, recycling and collaboration are important elements of an environmentally sustainable community.