The annual MAKIBATA project, led by the UST Student Organizations Coordinating Council (UST SOCC) in collaboration with the SIMBAHAYAN Community Development Office, Office for Student Affairs, UST Volunteers for UNICEF (UVU), and Artistang Artlets, held virtual sessions on storytelling and crafting last May 23 to 25.
The project which aims to advocate for children’s rights by means of a creative and strategic approach through various workshops and activities also aims to advocate for the rights of the children of the partner communities by promoting holistic formation and quality education within a safe and nurturing environment.
The first day of the project titled SINING, featured storytelling sessions where student volunteers read the winning pieces from UVU’s project titled MAHIWAGA: Ang Kwento ng mga Bata, a fairytale writing contest featuring talented Thomasian writers from different colleges and faculties. Featured stories include Si Marisa at ang Nayon ng Pag-asa written by Ms. Ana Lynel Anacan, Bakit Hindi Nawawalan ng Apoy ang Lampara ni Lola by Mr. Louis Andrew Panlaqui, and Si Ligaya at ang Mahiwagang Llanera written by Mr. Lor Jay Basbas. The storytelling sessions were followed by activities to process the themes relevant to the story. Both the children and their parents were encouraged to share about their learnings from the stories that were read that day.
LIKHA, the title and the theme for the second day featured arts and crafts making sessions which was done asynchronously and was held on May 24, 2022 through the Facebook Page of UVU. Various Junior Volunteer Coordinators, Division Heads and members of the said organization prepared recorded videos that include the materials and instructions for said arts and crafts projects. All the projects are related with the stories which were read during the first day.. The best arts and crafts projects were also awarded recognitions during the program.
The last day titled KAISA, was the conclusion of the three-day event. Partner communities who participated in the event were recognized for their participation. The MAKIBATA project was also a part of the celebration of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Children’s Rights Week.
