Help 500 Filipino Children be Literate in Computer

            I am Roselyn, 17 years old and a Grade 10 student of a public school here in Southern Philippines. I live with my grandmother and I can say that everyday is a winning moment for me. Life's struggles are there for me to overcome and to be victorious.

            I could remember when I was little, my parents always quarreled over money issues and my father’s drinking problem. Eventually, they separated when I was five years old. My mother brought me to her hometown where she found another partner after a year. She had a new family since then.

            When my Lola (grandmother) came, niuban nalang jud ko sa iyaha kay dili na jud nako maantos ang kalisod sa among kahimtang labi na naay laing kauban si Mama og dili pud mi niya gina atiman og tarung kay labada lang iyang ginapangtustus sa amoa (I went with her because I could not take the difficulties at home anymore especially when Mama has a new husband. She could not take care of us, too, because she always has to wash other people’s clothes to earn money for our basic needs.)

            I was referred to the Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc. residential care center. There, all my needs were provided. All I had to do was do well in my studies which I did. When the time came that I was discharged from the shelter, I had to adjust again to our situation at home with my grandmother. But thank heavens; blessings have followed me because I was still included in the CJFI’s computer literacy program in our community last summer.

            The program has helped me gain confidence in using computers. Before, when we have research works in school, my classmates and I would just contribute money so that one of us could go to the internet café and do the research work for all of us. This way we could save money. But honestly, I really did not know how to use the computer so our strategy was convenient for me. Another concern was the budget. Whenever we had a research project, I would ask money from my Kuya (brother) who is a security guard in the barangay. When he had nothing to give, Lola would borrow money and pledge her SSS pension.

            Now, I am no longer scared to use a computer. I do my assignments and research projects with confidence. I am so glad that I attended the computer classes last summer. It was worth it. I may still spend money, but, at least I can enhance my computer skills every time I do my school tasks.

            Hopefully, sa tanan mga donors and sponsors na naga supporta ani na project padayun pa mo sa pag suporta ani, tama jud ang inyung ginatabangan kay para sa akoa mas nidako ang akung pagtoo na pakab-ot nako ang akung pangandoy (to all the donors and sponsors who support this project, please continue to do so because you are never wrong in helping us. For me, my faith that I can reach my dreams grew bigger).

            Thank you so much.

Forever grateful,

Roselyn

CJFI beneficiary