By Theresia Titus
A simple act of charity has made a difference in the lives of Philippine students.
Inspired by a visit from Sr Kate O’Neil RNDM of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mission, Year 8 student Mia Cubeddu initiated an act of donation for Dulungan Menubo Girls at Dalesan Kailawan Centre located on a mountain top on the Island of Mindanao off the coast of Manila in the Philippines.
Sr Kate visited Sacred Heart College, Sorrento, last year and spoke in front of the College’s Young Vinnies volunteers and Year 7 students (now Year 8) about her work.
Miss Cubbedu presented an idea of raising money by having a special House Shirt Day, which raised more than $1700.
The College community also donated two large cartons of old uniforms, stationery, medical supplies, IT equipment, and baby clothes.
For Mia, the act of charity is “a reminder that whatever is done should be done for God and to always try to achieve your best for him”.
“I believe it is important to help because we are very lucky and privileged to be able to come to a school like this where we can share and we can help other students to have a better chance to learn and to find their passion and to give them some of the things we take for granted,” Mia said.
“It’s just good to be able to give back.”
She also said that the “small gesture of a gold coin donation” has raised “enough money to help those less fortunate than us and put a smile on their face”.
“The things we take for granted, they don’t have, so by participating you will be able to help them out and help them achieve their full potential,” she expressed.
It took three months for the donations to reach Dalesan Kailawan Centre.
Dalesan Kailawan Director Sr Delma M Barrientos RNDM, sent letters and photos to Mia and the College upon receiving the donations last month.
In her letter to Mia, Sr Delma wrote, “I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for the wonderful initiative you have done at your young age”.
“You have indeed lived out your school motto, ‘Always striving upwards but we rise by lifting others’. What a beautiful motto!” Sr Barrientos penned.
“Mia the girls appreciated your generosity and I shared your initiative to all our girls in Delesan Kailawan. They were amazed by your thoughtfulness.
“They extended their regards and words of gratitude to you and your friends. Thank you for opening your heart for the needy. I am sure your family will be so proud of what you have done,” she added.
Sr Barrientos also thanked the College for its “dedication and hard work for the poor”.
“Sr Kate has done wonderful work here in the Philippines making a difference in the lives of the children abandoned by their families and forced to live in the streets of Manila.
“I am also grateful for Sr Kate for inspiring the Sacred Heart College girls, including Mia by her witness of being with the poor and sharing with you the lives of the Manobo Dulangan Tribe we are working with,” she continued.
“Thank you also for your generous monetary donation which enables the girls of the Manobo Dulangan Tribe to live in RNDM Dalesan Kailawan Center and continue their education.