MSC archived stories - July 18, 2020
The Philippines, home to 7,641 islands where Juliana lives is a place of constant battle against the elements – typhoons, earthquakes, flooding and volcanic eruptions. Any child's upbringing in this environment defines not only the challenges of nature but also the poverty looming around. Yet, I'm truly inspired by her spirited determination to overcome and be force for change in the world. At tender age of 9, she understands the importance of protecting our environment and species living on the planet.
Some of you may know that Juliana has been the face of CI marketing campaigns to raise funds for dental care* and awareness of mental wellbeing**. As her sponsor, the inevitable fame of her sensational "acting career" has put me in a responsible position to do something special for the family.
The family of Juliana lives in the house of their paternal grandparents since she was born. In 2018, the family decided to have their own home just beside the grandparents’ house. Relatives who own the land have allowed them to construct a house as part of their land inheritance. Every time the family would save some money, they secure materials for its construction. They were able to construct posts with unfinished walling.
Late last year, I decided to help fund the continuation of the unfinished work of the family’s dream house, which was their top priority at the time. While we are not yet out of the woods with Covid, the house construction was a great opportunity for people who were struggling to find work during this time.
As planned, the family and staff went ahead with the project to construct the walls plus windows, install metal sheets for the roofing, and concreting the floor. They already identified skilled labor to do the work, and the hardware materials were purchased through the CI agency accredited vendors.
When I just received the final report, I was overwhelmed to see Juliana in her new home.. a more comfortable and safer place to live; can feel myself living inside right there! I wasn’t expecting things to have progressed at such rapid pace, and for the housewarming how wonderful to bring full of food inside to an auspicious moment of celebration.
And finally I’m blessed to have and support this beautiful family in the program. A massive thanks to everyone involved in overseeing and persevering with the project at this very difficult time.
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* https://www.children.org/make-a-difference/giving-tuesday/smile
Applause for your efforts, CI's efforts and those of the family and local workforce. A new, sturdy home -- a sunny, notable accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteJuly 19, 2020
Your gift of a safe and healthy home for Juliana vastly improves the odds that she will meet future challenges successfully. You laid a big part of the foundation for her realizing CI's goals of healthy, educated, empowered and; eventually, employed!
ReplyDeleteJuly 19, 2020
chelaka, it is so wonderful that you were able to help Juliana and her family build a safe and comfortable home that will protect them from the elements. What a wonderful and lasting gift! Very inspiring story...thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJuly 19, 2020
Thank you all for the lovely reaction! This is my first home improvement project. Juliana is the only girl in the family of six, so I wanted her to have a room of her own in the home but the mother said she is too young to have a separate room and Juliana, herself is not comfortable to sleep alone as well.
ReplyDeleteJuly 19, 2020
Wow this is fantastic! Good on you! This is a change that impacts everyone in her world for the better. You’re an amazing sponsor.
ReplyDeleteJuly 19, 2020
That's wonderful, chelaka! A great story and so nice for Juliana and her family. Any more photos of the home? EDIT: nevermind; I looked at your profile photos. Should have looked there first! :)
ReplyDeleteJuly 20, 2020
This looks great! What a wonderful way to help Juliana and her family! You are a blessing to them by giving them a solid house and much more savety.
ReplyDeleteJuly 29, 2020
You rock!
ReplyDeleteJuly 29, 2020
I'm humbled by your admiration. Few days ago, Juliana surprised me with news of a sister she now has, looking after 4 younger siblings. I wonder why the new-build was their top priority!
ReplyDeleteJuly 29, 2020
EdgarC22
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing story! Your kindness inspires us all. I just started sponsoring a teenage boy a few days ago and hope to be able to help him as much as you have helped this family!
July 30, 2020
My goodness what a beautiful story, and what a fabulous outcome, to see a proper house build and lived in, great progress. Well done👍
ReplyDeleteJuly 30, 2020