An exciting event happened on the 12th floor of the College of Arts & Designs building of the College of St. Benilde in Manila . Ninety six children from Baseco, Port Area, Manila and Payatas, Quezon City gathered together to celebrate one of the most significant event of their lives, their first graduation. Accompanied by their even more excited parents, the graduation was a huge success.

The guess of honor is the president and founder of Springboard Foundation, Annette Helbig. Springboard foundation has been supporting HOPE worldwide Philippines since 2004. In those years they have given us gifts in cash and in kind which amounts to 9.8 million pesos.
This year, Springboard is the organization that funded the Day Care program in Baseco and Payatas. We thank them for making out of their way to support the education of these children who belong to supportive families of poorest of the poor in the community.

In her special speech for the children, the parents and the supporters of the Day Care Program, she encouraged and urged the parents and their care givers to love them so the children will naturally and happily please them thereby making them more productive and contributive not only in their families but in the community as well.

The excitement grew more as the graduates received their special awards by Teacher Karine Paduganan of Payatas and Teacher Anna Liza Barbarona of Baseco as they were assisted by the still energetic Anette Helbig and Melchor Vipinosa, Jr., the Manager of the Day Care Program of HOPE in the communities.

It was ended by the amazing valedictory speech of Jessielyn Naing and Iverson Datay. It is worth to note the confidence and excellence of the speech of Jessielyn is and the reading capability of Ivan as they delivered their speech that encouraged and challenged their fellow graduates.

Supporting the graduation with us on that day are Accenture Gateway, who donated the medals and ribbons; Metro Manila Christian Church – Mandaluyong San Juan Region, who gave gifts to each graduate; regular volunteers from the community; and the community based and advocacy based programs staff and some of their family members

Furthermore, awards were given to outstanding parents on their support in the Day Care Program and their children.

We thank all the individuals and organizations that have helped the Day Care Program this year – Philippine Normal University, Adidas Philippines, Metro Manila Christian Church, De La Salle College of St. Benilde, Interface Computer College, TOMS world and other unsung heroes.

We are excited to start another school year for the children and also excited looking for partners who can help us more in making the dreams of these underprivileged children a reality.