As we launch into the new year, we give thanks to the Lord for the year that was…
2009 was a year of partnerships for Better World.
It began with a partnership with ATRIEV Computer School for the Blind. ATRIEV asked Better World to create a series of videos as part of the Samsung Hope Campaign, in which ATRIEV was vying for a much-needed grant. Better World created 7 short videos to advocate equal opportunity for persons with disabilities, to promote disability awareness and to help raise awareness about ATRIEV’s work. ATRIEV teaches basic computer skills, provides job training in medical transcription and similar fields, and offers college scholarships, all for people who are visually impaired. Hundreds of people watched the videos on YouTube and voted in the Samsung Hope contest. ATRIEV went on to win that contest, and was given a one million peso grant to continue its good work. Better World is proud to have helped ATRIEV in its noble mission.
Better World also contributed its talents to a video project for the Cooperative Education Forum. Cooperatives are not only effective vehicles for poverty alleviation; they are designed to be models of fair and socially responsible business practices, based on values of justice and charity. The videos commissioned by CEF remind people of the cooperative values such as honesty, caring for others, responsibility and solidarity; and of the members’ role in making sure that their cooperative lives up to these ideals.
Better World’s 2009 outreach projects were also in partnership with like-minded organizations. In August, Better World visited the children of Kythe, an organization that offers psycho-social help to children with cancer and other long-term illnesses. Better World and volunteers had a fun day with the kids and their moms, with what Kythe calls a “Celebrate Life” party. It was indeed a celebration, giving the kids and their moms a break from the usual routines of illness and treatment, with Kuwentong Dinig storytelling, games, songs, food and giveaways. We hope that through our small gesture, we were able to bring a little cheer and a big sense of God’s love to these kids and their families.
Before the year ended, we had another outreach activity, this time in cooperation with Sis Joy Gonzales and the Missionaries of God’s love. This was the second time we have visited the inmates of the Correctional Institute for Women, but this time, the attendees were people who didn’t have families or friends to come to visit them. Even though it was a few days late, it was a true Christmas party, with prayer and sharing and songs of worship, as well as games just for fun, and of course, sharing of food and simple gifts. They were all very grateful. They once again said how much it means to them to receive even the simplest things they often go without – like a sachet of shampoo or a bar of soap. But, more than that, they said, it meant so much to them to just have people visit, to give them time, a little kindness, a simple hug. And it meant so much to us to be able to share our blessings with them. We thank the people of CIW, as well as our volunteers, donors and partners, who helped make that happen.
Of course, Better World continued distributing its Kuwentong Dinig children’s books in audio, Braille and large print, to schools for visually impaired children. For this, our partners were none other than you – our dear friends and supporters, people who chose to sponsor a school or make a donation so that more and more kids in need could benefit from these books. Because of your help, 190 schools have now received Kuwentong Dinig sets. Teachers from beneficiary schools all over the country continue to tell us how these books have helped their students learn, communicate, and be inspired. Thank you all for your generosity. Let us all continue to work together to touch the lives of these and other people in need.
May 2010 be another year of abundant blessings and of sharing those blessings with those in need. May God bless you and be with you all this new year and always!
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