True to its mission, vision, and goal, the Open Heart Foundation admitted ten new Children and Youth Development Program beneficiaries. These students are from a new partner Local Government Unit, Municipality of Luna in the province of La, Union.
In a visit conducted on May 31, 2022, the new set of CYD Program Beneficiaries had an orientation on the background of the Foundation, the Children and Youth Development Program, and the Agreement or “Kasunduan”. Parents and the students were oriented about their roles and responsibilities while they are part of the CYD Program. Beneficiaries are expected to study hard and avoid getting failing grades or GWA below 83%; Parents shall support the needs of their children, not only financially but also to provide guidance morally; and the Foundation to give monthly educational support in the form of monthly allowances and conducts training or seminars to empower them. The latter part of the orientation was the election of officers for the Open Heart Youth Movement…the nationwide organization of OHFWI beneficiaries.
In her closing remarks, our Executive Director, Ma’am Linda Perez, posed a challenge to all the new beneficiaries. They should aim to finish school and seek employment after graduation in order to help their parents support the financial needs of their families. Helping in the education of a sibling is a way of paying forward the benefits and support given by the Open Heart Foundation.
On the other hand, seeing the beneficiaries graduate and be successful in life is enough inspiration and motivation for the Foundation to continue its programs and services for children.
Prepared by: Jay Frank Diaz, RSW, Program Area Coordinator 1
