Volunteering for Filipino street children with artwork

TO DREAM IS OKAY

Even though I have been working in the corporate career for many years now, it's been always my passion to draw and paint since I was a child. However, I did not pursue the path of creativity because of  "practicality" reasons and because I listened to the people around me to pursue otherwise. 

But it's okay, I still did my best to be productive working in the business world in my own way.

Deep inside me I want to make an impact in this world or at least to a person. I know I'm not as rich as the millionaires and billionaires who can change this world for the better using money. But I want to live my life worthwhile by giving something that I presently have - which is my time and using my little resource. With this I can somehow influence a child being raised in poverty to dream despite of their situation. 

So I decided to volunteer for street children. Their innocence to dream despite of the poverty motivates me to spend time with them and get to know them. Unfortunately, when they grow up it is not up to them to achieve their dreams but it is up to the opportunities available within their reach. 

That is why if these children are able to identify their skillset and passion at a young age. Maybe one day it's up to them to reach for the stars when they will know how to develop and utilize these skills  for them not just to survive in this competitive world but also become successful on their own.  When they become adults they will have an option or alternative lifestyle for them. Hopefully, one day they can leave the impoverished community and give back as well.

I decided to volunteer for a month as an Art teacher for the street children. It's also a dream come true for me. I went to their community. There are plenty of children who don't go to school because their family cannot afford to send them. There is no government support either. These children would go to the streets and ask for some money from people. 

When these children grow up as a teenager, I am afraid that they would be dealing with drugs or get pregnant at a young age. Perhaps being jobless and uneducated would be their possible direction given how the country is doing. 

That is their reality, for most of them and that is also our reality. Poverty plays a huge role in the family setting here in the Philippines. If only we can help the youth to be the hope of tomorrow, then the world would become a better place. And personally, when YOU help others, it's actually YOURSELF and YOUR SOUL you are helping because something is awaken within you - this Sense of Purpose whenever you serve others who are more unfortunate than you.