Inner city school kids received school supplies, vitamins, clothes and other goodies from a Chinese embassy diplomat who visited a learning center in Intramuros, Manila, June 8.
The visit of Xie Yonghui, counselor to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, preceded the 18th Philippines-China Friendship Day on June 9.
Xie was accompanied by John Go Hoc (吳啟典), president and founder of the Intramuros Joy Kiddie Center and Foundation.
Also donated were teaching and study equipment and first aid kits. The local office of the China Road and Bridge Corp. donated bowls, toothbrushes, and soap. In return, some 100 children in the center sang Chinese songs.
Go Hoc, 81, is a businessman and philanthropist. He expressed his gratitude on behalf of the center, thanking the Chinese embassy for its donation. For his part, Xie said the center plays an important role in the children’s lives as they learn and play there after school.
Joy Kiddie Center, founded in 2007, is an after school learning center for destitute children in the area. It has nearly 20 teachers and volunteers who teach and look after some 150 Filipino children after daily classes in public schools.
The center began offering Mandarin lessons two years ago, taught by volunteers from China. Days at the drop-in center begin and end with a flag ceremony, the national anthem, and prayers, according to Our Philippine Mission blog.
During the day, children learn bible stories and verses, math, reading and writing, and arts and crafts. Those who need help with schoolwork receive tutoring.