HOS-GMK Batch 2: Getting to know my Heroes

by: Gianne Gae F. Halog

It started out like any normal meeting in the office – we talked about statistics, performance and highlights of the
week. As it was about to end, our topic shifted from business to volunteering. A colleague of mine mentioned about an applicant whom she interviewed and spoke of Hands on Manila. She further explained that she became curious about the organization and her questions began to circle around: what is Hands on Manila? And so my colleague shared in our meeting what she found out about HOM and encouraged us, most especially me. I guess her persistence is coming from the fact that she knows my weekends are free and I need extra activities to occupy my mind.

During their orientation they talked about their flagship program which is: “Hands on Schools – Galing mo Kid”. The
program is held every Saturday morning. I thought this might be a good start since it is on weekends and teaching
has always been close to my heart. So I attended a few more orientations for HOS-GMK and a launch before the
first session started.

Seeing the kids for the first time was overwhelming and a bit intimidating. When I realized these kids were very
bright I began to have doubts if I can become a good mentor for them. Good thing, I didn’t let my doubts discourage
me, so I decided to push through with the program. The first Saturday session was scary for me. I felt like I’m going to school for the first time – panic attacks started to creep in, but the warm smiles and the sweet voices of the kids calmed me.

Now we are on our 6th session and so far we are doing well. I guess I am learning as much as the kids do. It
amazes me that even kids can teach me a lot, they can inspire me in ways I wouldn’t expect. As we facilitate the
activities and process the modules, I wasn’t looking at 10 students. What I saw and am still seeing are 10 nine-year olds, who are very concerned with helping our country and who believes they can make a difference even if they are still young.

The kids know even in their own little way they can help, they know they are heroes. Realizing this taught me a great lesson, that is: making a difference all boils down to believing – in yourself
and in others. Saturday morning is something I look forward to. In fact, I am excited every Friday night not because weekend is coming but because Saturday session is just a sleep away! I feel privileged to be a part of HOS-GMK and to be a part of the lives of 10 kids who will always be my heroes.