Summer Tutorial at ICP

The ICP-SKK started a two-week Summer Program in English Speaking, Reading and Comprehension, and Writing. Orientation was held last June 29, 2024 and classes started last July 1 until July 12. There were two classes: the Lower Class handled by Evangeline de Guzman and the Upper Class by Rhea Refugio.

De Guzman, more commonly called by the class as Teacher Vangie, describes her experience as: “What is more fulfilling than teaching children at a retiring age? When ICP-SKK Coordinator, Dr Marita Quimlat requested me to teach this summer, i did not have second thoughts in accepting the challenge. I call it a challenge because of my physical weakness. My infirmity of walking slower than normal, did not come into my mind. I was just excited of the idea of teaching children.”

“It was a teaching experience worth remembering. The idea of teaching pupils on how to speak and read with undrestanding the English language, made me realize that teaching is a vocation. Patience is required for the teacher and the pupils as well,” De Guzman added.

“I have to be patient mentoring them on how to attack the words beginning with the production of consonants and vowel sounds. The result is amazing! From a slow learner, there came an expression of awe , once a pupil suddely opens his/her eyes, realizing that he/she can suddenly read a word, phrases and sentences! The pupils’ facial expressions are striking!” said De Guzman.

The days of teaching the pupils were made easier by the support of the ICP Priests and the SKK volunteers. Simple snack was served everyday. One or two of the SKK Volunteers acted as support system.

Graduation was momentous! Thirty-five pupils graduated. On July 13, the children, decently dressed, attended the 6:30 AM mass. Program followed at the Aula Magna. Excitement filled the air with the simple presentations and the rewards were exhilarating. Each pupil was given an envelope of ICP currency, play money worth 400 pesos. The pupils were given free school bags worth 350 pesos. With the money and the bag, the pupils were guided by the SKK leaders to shop their school supplies. Overjoyed, the pupils run excitedly to their parents to show the items they bought on their own.

Lunch was served to the pupils, guests and parents. Fr. Marcel Real, ICP parish priest, and his assistants, Fr. Elmer Pandes and Fr. Roy Gueriña gave their inspiring messages; while Fr. Joseph celebrated the 6:30 am mass.

“We cannot underestimate the generosity of our donors who begged to be anonymous: from bags to school supplies to food,” said ICP-SKK Coordinator Dr. Quimlat.

It is the desire of the ICP SKK to continue weekend tutorials during the academic year.

Fr. Daniel R. Vegas, Director of the Caceres Youth Commission together with the other delegates from the Archdiocese of Caceres attend the 22nd National Conference of Youth Ministers (NCYM) in Palo, Leyte on July 17-21, 2024. The Archdiocese of Caceres will host the National Youth Day in July 2025. (Photo: Caceres Youth Commission)