Ferni Anne Velasco Haribon Foundation
An adorable version of the video game ‘Plants vs. Zombies’
Going to the outdoor playschool did not go as smoothly as we would have wanted. With a minor foot injury, I was pleased to hear that we were going to ride a cab going to the location. However, getting a taxi at 7 a.m. along Aurora Blvd. in Cubao, Quezon City was a challenge.
After an hour of waiting by the smoggy side road, With two companions, we trekked the to the nearest taxi bay while carrying 25 kilos of compost soil and bags that we were going to use as teaching materials. It was a great relief that after strategically planning our taxi hailing methods, we finally managed to get one and proceeded to our desired location where the cute little kids were waiting for us.
Meeting the kids of CREATE Learning Center was a treat. They were chaotic and full of energy. Somehow, I thought some of them were running their own little playschools in their own little worlds. They were however, curious and adorable and a joy to work with.
The kids, although still quite young, were very inquisitive and curious about the various colors and textures of nature around them. They particularly enjoyed using the “Agimata,” a mini cup shaped magnifying glass, to peak through trees, leaves, flowers and insects.
They were also very keen on the seedling planting session that we held for them. Watching them get their hands dirty and engage in the activity was a priceless scene.
The Haribon training staff visits CREATE Preschool sparking awe and wonder from future biologists
One particular aspect that also struck me while helping in the outdoor playschool was
admiration for the people that I worked with. Working with my companions, I saw passion, dedication and a clear goal of what they wanted to achieve. Imagine two unrelenting petite young women, marching on the streets with their heavy plastic bags of compost and bulky sets of cut outs, learning materials and used tarps with not a single mark of complaint on their faces.
Working with Haribon Foundation had not only given me the opportunity to engage in many fun and rewarding activities such as teaching kids about nature and biodiversity in CREATE Outdoor Playschool but this experience has also given me the opportunity to engage with good, dedicated and hard- working young individuals who are passionate about nature and pursuing measures to promote its preservation.