Dumolog December 2011

Thank you to those of you who remembered to donate this year. I had the opportunity to work with Pan Productions this last October while they were filming in the Philippines. This gave me the opportunity to visit with our scholars. Unfortunately I do not have as many video and photographs as I normally do. I caught Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever while I was there. I was sick for about 3 weeks, which included a short stint in the hospital - in the Philippines they require someone to stay with you in your room. Mary Grace, one of the scholars, selflessly volunteered to do this. She went to get all my prescriptions and helped me with my IV tubes and bag every time I needed to get out of the bed. She really saved the day. Some of the parents also came to visit me while I was there. It was so heartwarming to have all our efforts returned when I was placed in such a vulnerable position. I always thought the payoff would be to see the children graduate and get a good job, but there is so much more to it than that. I am realizing how much we are all a part of their lives and how important we have become to their future.

Here is a video link to a YouTube video I put together with the footage I had.



I hope you enjoy it, share it, and remember to donate. http://dumolog.blogspot.com/

Graduation 2011

Just a quick update.  Mary Grace and Elman both received medals from their school for excellence!  Our scholars will be starting school again in June.  We have all the necessary funds for uniforms, supplies and fees from our fundraising in Sept-November. Thanks again for your continued support.

Dumolog X-Mas Party 2010

The children of Dumolog had their Christmas party yesterday. Thanks to you guys it was a huge success. Unfortunately, I didn't get enough clothing donations to send a Balikbayan Box, so I sent the Christmas Funds through Western Union (receipts are available upon request). Rodolfo from the Rotary administered the funds and Vilma, from the Lastimoso house across the street, coordinated everything and cooked a feast for the kids! Thanks so much! I wish I could have been there.

With the additional funds raised we were able to get all of the children:

1. A new outfit of clothing (shoes, pants and shirt)

2. A toy and some candy.

3. A great celebration full of food and fun!

I've attached some pictures of your scholar. The pics were taken by Ina, the daughter of Vilma, with her cel phone. Have a wonderful holiday season! You really made a special day for these kids. It is such a treat to see them all smiling, playing and wearing their new outfits. I'm feeling a bit emotional about it - please know what an incredible day this was for them.

A Reminder...

I was walking up the main road in Dumolog after learning that last year a few of the parents had sold their childrens uniforms that we bought.  I had just implemented a new rule - If they sell their uniform this year, they will not be provided one next year.  I was thinking "Why am I even doing this?"  when right on cue I saw this boy who was working as part of a cement clean-up crew, just 100 feet away from the Dumolog compound. It quickly answered my question.

Second Year of School

I hope you are all doing well. Just a quick note to let you know that the children started their second year of school under our support. A few of the children dropped out last year due to miscellaneous fees that the school charges the family for. Thanks to your support we are now able to cover these charges as well as uniforms, supplies, dental check-ups and, in some cases, prescriptions and medical attention.

I have partnered with the local Rotary in Roxas City to assist in distribution of funds to the school to cover the additional fees. This does not cost us anything as I have made a barter deal - their services for mine. At some point in the future I will be doing some graphics and possibly some video work for them.

The Rotary has a group of volunteer surgeons come to Roxas City every year to fix cleft lips. I was able to put forward the name of Paolo (a boy who lives in the compound next to our scholars) last December when I was there.
Paolo in December 2009

Paolo in May 2010

The last time I was in Roxas City I also spoke with some members of the Lions Club about their scholarship program. This wasn't in regards to a partnership, I was curious as to the rules they employ to insure a successful program. Their scholars must past an exam to apply for the program. They have a zero tolerance for failing grades and non-attendance. I think that is a worthy program and a great rule structure. However, many of the children we sponsor have never had the resources or opportunity to attend school full time. I understand the need for these strict rules, but I am hoping you will all hang in as these children adjust to this opportunity - they are getting better and will hopefully, with our support, and the support of their families, understand the gift they are being given. In the end, we may not have the success rate as other scholarship programs in the Philippines, but we are certainly providing an opportunity to these kids that everyone deserves, and we, in Western countries, take for granted.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Dumolog Christmas 2009

Thank you again for your amazing support this year. I am happy to report that all the kids will be returning to school this June, along with our 5 new scholars.

After talking with my contacts and support in Roxas City, it has been decided the best way to tackle the miscellaneous fees would be to have a bank account set up in the Philippines and disburse monthly payments to the elementary and high school based on the needed fees (about $2.50 per month, per child).

I've attached a link to a video showing how the additional funds were disbursed. It was originally going to go towards toys, but upon my arrival I saw how the rising rice prices had affected the families. They were also in need of clothing. So toys took a back seat, but were not excluded. Here is the link to a video as to how the funds were spent. Receipts are also available for anyone wishing to see them. I've used some of the timelapse I shot this last trip - a little dramatic - maybe, but it sure looks cool :)



I will be sending a CD with this video, along with a personal greeting from your scholar, electronic versions of a few photos and hard copies. There is also something for all of you from your scholar. The expenses is my X-Mas present to you all for the amazing help you have provided these children.

There is still a ways to go and other projects I would like to see implemented, such as a lunch program, running water in the compound and the ultimate dream of having 1 or 2 toilets. So I am going to be doubling up on the sponsors per child. So if you know anyone who may be interested in becoming involved, please pass on my contact information and I encourage you to show your video, photos and other gift to your friends and colleagues.

All the best in 2010!

NEW SCHOLARS

Jass Marie - Age 8


Elmar - Age 12


Ronalyn - Age 11


Rose Mae - Age 7


Jerica - Age 6

Another Update from Capiz

So there still may be hope that the children who dropped out may return to school. All of them are from the same family. The mother (I have mentioned her before in a not so nice light) has hooked up with a man who is lame. Not that this is bad, but is not practical as she has so many mouths to feed – 8 kids and now another on the way. School kids encounter the odd misc fee, which is a few pesos per week. Times that by the 4 children she has in school and it adds up – especially with her situation. I’m trying not to judge people but she is not my favourite person at the moment.

I was able to get the contact information for the school principal and I’m going to try and set up a credit for the misc fees for these kids. So hopefully they will all be on their way back to school by the time I leave Capiz. There is a chance that the misc fee may vanish (we are in the PH) or that they won’t return to school, but it is a chance I’m going to take.

On the dental side of things: I will be getting more photos from Lovelle (our dentist), but wanted to share one of the results of her work. These photos are of Marilou. The first is from last year where she had two teeth growing out of place and a large cavity in the front – as well as many in the back. She would often smile with her mouth closed or try and hide with her hand. This year, she is all smiles. The difference is incredible to me and I hope you all can share in the satisfaction of how such a small thing changed Marilou’s confidence. We are doing good. It is a long road, but we are making progress. I have lots of video clips to share, and will get it to you after I return. You all have something coming to you from the children as well. Sorry that my communication has been so poor, but my mobile and internet signals have been slow and unreliable here. Thank you so much again.

Marilou Last Year


Marilou Yesterday


The Group


Capiz Bay seen from Dayao