Bianca Umali joined child-focused NGO World Vision in Laurel, Batangas last February 7 to visit and help distribute learners’ kits to about 400 school-aged children from Grade 1 to 7. Each kit contains a school bag, school supplies, and art materials to help hundreds of children who temporarily stopped schooling due to the eruption.
As World Vision’s Youth Ambassador for Education, Bianca Umali hoped to inspire the children with a message of hope amidst difficult times brought by Taal Volcano eruption.
As Taal Volcano still indicates signs of volcanic threat to its surrounding communities, World Vision commits to assist affected families, including thousands of children whose schooling have been disrupted for almost a month.
Nine year old Jhylian from the locked-down village of Buso-buso said, “I used to have 10 notebooks but after Taal erupted, most of my school things were destroyed. Now, I only have three notebooks for nine subjects. I’m worried what I will use after I’ve used up all the pages of my three notebooks.”
According to the Department of Education’s (DEPED) report, at least 575,456 students coming from 1,034 schools are affected due to class suspensions.
“Education in emergencies is crucial. A lot of children were not able to spare their bags or notebooks and worse, could not go back to their school because of the damages caused by the eruption. This should not stop them from learning though and that’s where we all come in – to support them in any way possible to keep them in school,” says World Vision National Director Rommel Fuerte.
“We are grateful to Bianca for making time to serve with us, despite her hectic schedule. The children and the people of Laurel are certainly encouraged and touched by her,” added Fuerte.
Since 2017, Umali has been an active advocate and generous supporter to various World Vision’s campaigns for the benefit of children. Months ago, Umali offered her voice and influence to promote the “1,000 Girls” campaign and the “Hope Town” experiential booth at the Trinoma Mall in Quezon City.
To date, World Vision has reached 1,845 families with hygiene kits (soaps, undergarments, etc.) and non-food items (mosquito nets, blanket, and plastic mats). 12,000 individuals also received N95 dust masks while at least 4 child-friendly spaces continue to provide psychosocial support to children in evacuation centers.
World Vision continues to appeal for support in providing learners’ kits to the communities affected by Taal’s eruption. Click this link to go to World Vision’s donation page: https://wvph.co/DonateForTaal. You may also call World Vision at (02) 8372-7777 or (0917) 866-4824.
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About World Vision
World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, their families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by its Christian faith and values, it is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. It serves and collaborates with all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.