Happy birthday Eduard!

You inspire us with your dedication, creativity, energy and passion for whatever you do. Ambit is just so blessed to be given the chance to know you and rediscover our own strength, gifts and passion. Thank you for sharing your dream with us and for allowing us to be part of your life, too. Ambit journey looks more exciting with people like you on our side. May you be blessed every step of the way, as you reach your own dreams and goals that will surely benefit so many others around you!

Meet Jande, he wants to become a Teacher

I wrote this short story about Jande, summer of 2015 when I was still with my previous organization. During the time when I was trying to form a team of sponsors for him, that's also the time when some drastic change came about. I wasn't able to go back and see him as promised. A year after, I went back to Maatop for our notebook distribution, hoping I would see him. I did not. With a sinking heart I realized he wasn't around at all. Thankfully his lola was there and she approached me with tears in her eyes. "Mam nagamasakit si Toto Jande," she informed me. I remember he was also sick last summer when I first met him. I eagerly asked if I could go and see him, but she said I will have to climb two hills and a river to reach their house. She said Jande, who is an honor student, somewhat lost his eagerness for school the past year. His grades dropped and he would usually just sit by their window and say, "Will Mam Anne come back for me?" It tugged at my heart but I didn't want to cry this time. I wanted to remain calm and focused, I had to find ways to help him. I am not sure most of the time every time I promise help for these children, but I just promise them anyway. I guess in the heart of my heart, I know that there are others like me who are drawn to these kinds of stories. 

Will you help me help him? / Anne

THIS WAS MY STORY ABOUT HIM LAST YEAR: Jande, only 5 years old, lost his mother to an illness only last December. He never got to know his father. Long after the villagers went home after our activity, Jande lingered. I was busy packing up when I heard a faint voice from behind me calling out, "Mam, we're going home now. Thank you very much." When I turned to see who was the owner of the small voice, I saw a small boy with a curious pair of eyes that looked straight into mine, and through my soul. I spent many minutes talking to him and asking him what he wanted to be when he grows up. "I want to be a teacher." I said, "What subject would you like to teach?" he replied, very clear and decisive, "An English teacher." In a place like Maatop, people do not even know the word "dream". Not a single pupil answered me what they wanted to be when they grow up. Jande was different. He stood out, armed with a dream of becoming an English teacher someday, without a father, without a mother, without anything to hold on to for his future.

Let us be the ones for him to hold on to. Jande is giving us the chance to share part of ourselves and be blessed by the experience.

Ambit Turns One! (Friends of Niall O'Brien First Anniversary Celebration)

This is our kind of celebration. Simple, intimate, sincere. The heart of a volunteer comes a live when there is a small number of like-minded souls gathering in one small circle to strengthen the bond, evaluate ourselves, clarify and purify intentions, share plans and dreams, and most of all commit these plans to our author, God Almighty. We honor our donors, sponsors, supporters, who look to the same direction with us, Ambit volunteers, and trust us enough in this journey to making a difference. Let us hold hands in celebrating another year ahead, little by little, each tiny step is a goal closer to another. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY EVERYONE! 

We were so privileged to have with us Cesar Villanueva, our mentor and good professor at University of St La Salle during our MACRS days. He shared with us a few things on how we should go about the building of the organization, updated us with the present IP initiatives, and most of all encouraged us and assured us of his support for Ambit. Thank you very much Sir Cesar for your unconditional love for us and what we do. I am sure Fr Niall O'Brien is looking down on us smiling. 

We recalled our achievements for the past year, evaluated our performance, and planned for the year ahead. Yes, this is how we do it. Step by little step, year by year, breath after breath, we hold hands and face the challenge with joy in serving others. 

Gabriel, our youngest volunteer, shared his thoughts and experiences on how it is to be the youngest volunteer. Ambit gives emphasis on the participation of our young ones, because the earlier they start doing these things, the better they grow on wisdom, how they see the world and how they see themselves as part of changing this for the better. From Gabriel's story, Ambit hopes more and more children will be encouraged to take part. 

Ambit volunteers taking their Oath of Commitment to Gabriel and his generation.