The BATA Foundation has been housing and empowering girls to be the best they can. Take a look at the orphanage ten years ago from a volunteer's eyes.
This is a blog from dadzgrl, one of our amazing volunteers almost ten years ago and shows how strong this organization has been the past ten years! Full blog can be viewed here.
Thank you dadzgrl for the kindness shown to the BATA children by you and your workmates. We hope to see you back again soon!
Love,
BATA family
BATA Foundation
February 18, 2007
I spent a few hours of my Sunday with some office friends for an outreach activity in Marikina. We visited the B.A.T.A. Foundation which houses 21 orphan girls with ages ranging from 3-13 years old. Going there was no joke. We got lost a couple of times and had to ask locals for directions. When we saw the sign of the foundation along Fortune Avenue (the place is right in front of Fortune Tobacco), we entered the compound with relief. We had our doubts when we entered the premises because the place doesn't seem conducive for bringing up children. It was like entering an industrial factory with a lot of tractors around.
As we went further inside, we saw the cute little girls waiting for us. There's a building at the back of the compound that houses all the kids and 3 stay-in social workers who watch over the orphans full-time. I had the privilege of talking to Kris and learning a thing or two about social work. She is the newest social worker who has been with the foundation for 2 months.
The kids were so warm when we got there. They welcomed us and greeted us with smiles. When they saw me and KC, they noticed our long hairs immediately. Most of them are not allowed to grow their hair long. Keeping their hair length to a minimum is a must to save on shampoo.
The whole outreach idea was Clairol's which we all appreciate. It was such a nice gathering of HP folks. I was reminded of the outreach I had with Chewy, KC, Joanne and some friends in December 2005 and the PGH activity in January 2006. KC and I can't help reminiscing about those.
The Volunteers
I was actually amazed by the turnout of volunteers. These are people that spent their Sunday with these kids rather than spend it somewhere else. Some of them came all the way from Sucat, Paranaque and some from Malolos, Bulacan. Even my manager was there. Imagine that.
Each of the volunteers had the opportunity to give the gift that we have all prepared. I was lucky enough to be paired with Marian, who was all smiles the entire afternoon.
To Clai and friends... thanks for the worthwhile weekend. =)
