PCCCF Activity Director Jojo Ramos' vision of a Children's Literacy Program received a big boost when Forest County Potawatomi Foundation gave their stamp of approval and awarded a grant of $10,000 to jumpstart the program.
Last year, through the help of Potawatomi's Executive Director Kaye Garcia, Jojo was able to forge a connection with the New Threads of Hope (TNTH), who donated 405 Disney books towards the Philippine Center Children's Literacy Program (PCLP) that were amongst the other books distributed during the March 22, 2014 Children's Workshop at the Philippine Center.
The goal of the Philippine Center Literacy Program is to get the children from toddlers to teens to own a book, read a book, and participate in the book exchange program and ultimately get into book review and discussion.
To make the event more fun, a high school student, Hanna Kinzer and her mom, Anne, volunteered and made cut outs of "The Frozen" Disney characters which set the tone for the afternoon. Raphael Ramos, Carisse Ramos and Evie Morris volunteered to be Prince Hans, Queen Elsa and Belle. They together with parents assisted and read for the younger participants. Free Clinic Director Dr. Violeta Singson, who is also the Munting Tinig Choir founder took charge of announcing and advertising that afternoon's event. She also provided the snacks and treats. The Munting Tinig Choir led in the singing portion of the afternoon.
Cooperation and teamwork from Gerry Ramos, Mareta Prill, Manika Clemente, Amy Schemenauer, Elsa Clemente, Anne Le Fort, Maria Salomon Yumang, Cream Pepito Sommer, Linda Ramos and Nellie Varilla whose granddaughter (Lydia Weaver) awed the audience with her hula hoop skills, made the children's workshop and literacy program a tremendous success.
Look forward to the Philippine Center Literacy Program book distribution events during the: Faawis Picnic in June, Health Fair in August. Other dates to be announced later.