Graduation day for a former Rehoboth Resident
FORMER RESIDENTS (their names have been withheld for data protection)
“As one of the family of Rehoboth I’m happy because for almost twelve years I have stayed at Rehoboth. I achieved my goals and finished my study. I have been here since 1998 when I was in Grade 5 (Elementary School). I had a good standing in school and after Elementary School I went to High School and I received so many special awards and I was also one of the honour students when I was in 1st Year High School. After High School I took up Bachelor of Science in Nursing at college. After many years in college with many trials and troubles in my life I thank God that I finished my study. After college I took the Nursing Licensure Examination but I didn’t pass the exam. I believe that God had a plan for my life and after college I worked at Jollibee as a member of the service crew for almost six months. Now I am working at Señor Sto. Niño Hospital, in Camiling as a volunteer nurse – my job is a Nursing Assistant. I can continue my nursing career and I want to achieve my ambition to be a professional nurse in the future. I plan to take the licensure exam again this year. Because of all the blessings that have come in my life, thanks to God. Rehoboth is a part of my life because this is my foundation.”
(Nursing College Graduate 2009)
A COLLEGE STUDENT/VOLUNTEER HOUSE PARENT
“We’re six in our family when my father decided to take me to Rehoboth because he can no longer take care of me and cannot afford to send me to school. He was also caring for my mother who was experiencing an emotional breakdown and was on medication for many years (she died a few years after due to her mental problems). Just before going to Rehoboth my father and I went to an orphanage in Cagayan to take my sister and brother. At Rehoboth I started in Grade 1 and was 7 years old. At that time Rehoboth had homes in Isabella and Munoz as well as Sta. Maria. I started in Isabella, near my home then transferred to Munoz and later to Sta. Maria. After high school I graduated in Psychology and now I am studying Social Work. The courses combined together help me a lot in knowing how to deal and communicate properly with the children, about their behaviour and how they get along with others. It also challenges me in how to cope with different situations that are happening here. As a house parent I’m enjoying talking so much with the residents, laughing and listening to their dreams in life. Great times are experienced with them so I can encourage them and share my experiences about when I was their age and to discuss what consequences good and bad choices might bring. My hopes for the future are to run my own foundation; to help people who are on the streets to enable them to live a normal life; to help my family have a good and secure life.”
(College Graduate 2010)
A former Rehoboth student and resident
A FORMER STUDENT AND GRADUATE
“I grew up without a father and my mother was married to another man when I was seven, leaving my custody to my grandparents. I’m happy and proud to say that despite living away from my biological parents, I grew up gaining much love and support from my grandparents, uncles and aunties who worked hand-in-hand in rearing me. After finishing elementary I had to stop from schooling because of financial difficulty.Our Community Church pastor recognised my talent and potential as a student as she saw me growing. My family being active in the ministry knew about Rehoboth and I was referred to Rehoboth Children’s Home Inc. and my family gave up my temporary custody to Rehoboth so I could have a chance of fulfilling my dreams. On May 21, 2000, when I was 14 years old, I was brought finally to Rehoboth; it disheartened me at first because it was my first time being away from my home. Eventually, I became inspired gaining the acceptance and friendship from the Rehoboth family. I had a chance and access to formal education and I graduated as Batch Salutatorian in High School.
Many opportunities were given, I was exposed to church activities; I became a leader in the tambourine dance group then handled the Music Ministry Team. My leadership ability as well as confidence in dealing with people was developed further. Most of all I committed my life to God. My ‘Rights as a Child’ were also reiterated thus I was empowered to advocate the rights that each of Filipino child deserves. This became my inspiration to compose the song entitled, ‘As A Child’.
As a child, I have a right
To be born and to have a name
To have a family, who will love and care for me
To live in peaceful community. In our house sometimes I’m lonely
When I see my family tired because of me
They did their best to educate me
But they failed to meet my needs.Chorus
But now I thank you Lord
For choosing me to stay at Rehoboth
But now I thank you Lord
For giving me hope
To reach for what I want to be
And now I am satisfied and so happy
To have a big family.
I was fortunate enough that Rehoboth permitted me to pursue Bachelor of Science in Nursing after High School. My course was very exciting which motivated me to attain higher. I’m proud to say that each semester I got flying colours. I do not know if it is a natural feeling to search for my biological father, but actually it was my answered prayer when I finally met him in 2006. I was then in 2ndyear college. We communicated through cellular phone texting until he introduced me to his family. I was happy to know them. I built a good relationship with them but I cannot blame them if they cannot accept me as a real family member. I still love them and they became my inspiration for what I have become. My mother though married to another man never neglected her emotional responsibility to me. I got the encouragement and motherly advice from her and she never let me feel down.
Now, I thank God for guiding me and helping me pass my Board Examination. I can now look for a job which will help my family and my siblings. No amount of thanks could ever replace the people who became my blessings in reaching for my goal. ”
(Nursing Graduate 2008)