Efren Penaflorida realizes dream to build a learning center building
By ALEX VALENTIN BROSAS
June 21, 2011
Manila Bulletin
Even with the completion of a learning center building, Efren Penaflorida will continue his 'kariton' education to encourage more children to study
MANILA, Philippines – The 2009 CNN Hero of the Year Efren Penaflorida scores another feat by realizing his dream to build a learning center for street children.
Called Karbil or Kariton Building, the learning center is nearing completion in Cavite City. Its facilities will be used for direct tutorial for 150 street children. Operated by the Dynamic Teen Company, of which Efren is the founder, it has an activity area, classrooms and a library complete with laptops donated for the learning center.
Efren acknowledges the enormous blessing brought about by his being named CNN Hero of the Year in 2009.
“Tumagos ‘yung dumating na blessing. Aside from that ‘yung passion ng mga volunteers mas lalong nag-fire up,” he said on “Showbiz News Ngayon,” June 20.
He also credited some celebrities who helped him with his cause, like sportscaster TJ Manotoc.
“Si Bianca (Gonzalez) supportive siya pagdating doon sa encouragement, sa mga volunteers. Fineature kami ni Bianca sa 'Y-Speak' dati, eh. Wala pang CNN noon. Nakakatuwa nga siya, eh. Tapos hanggang ngayon naaalala pa niya pa rin kami. Nagpunta din dito si Karylle. Nagtulak din ‘yun. Si Gerald (Anderson) nagtulak din siya,” he shared.
He is utterly grateful for these celebrities as “’yung presence nila kasi dito sa ginagawa namin is ano, eh.
Iba’ng impact noon sa mga estudyante namin sa kalye. Kumbaga, nae-encourage ‘yung mga bata. ‘Yung love for learning mas parang napu-fuel up pa.”
Clarence Baptista, computer teacher at the learning center, shared that, “Nagtuturo po kami ng mga basic typing po. Tinuturuan po namin kung paano gumamit ng computer, kung ano ang tama po.”
With the new building, Clarence added, “Hindi na po limited ‘yung time niya (Efren) para turuan po ang mga bata.”
Even with the existence of a learning center, Efren and his group will continue with their concept of “kariton” education.
“‘Yung kariton class room, kumbaga, it’s an idea which evolved. Nangarap kami na someday magkaroon sana kami ng learning center, ng place para doon naming i-gather ‘yung mga bata and then we’re working on our dreams.”
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