As we entered the new year heavy rain caused floods in the villages here in Sabah. Some of the villagers’ personal belongings, such as clothes, were lost in the flood. Goducate teachers collected clothes from friends for the families in need.
Recently, some of the friends who gave us used clothes came to visit our center. It was 11 am when 7 of them arrived. It was with smiles that they unloaded their cars of clothes, toys, balloons, and books, and carried these things into the village.
There a “market” was set up for those used items. As the children and mothers prepared coupons representing the points that the children had earned during their Next Generation sessions every Saturday, they were excited about what they could choose to get.
To the children’s surprise, two of the visitors dressed up like clowns and entertained them with tricks. Everybody, both children and parents, enjoyed the show.
Then it was time to dash for the goods they wanted to buy—with their coupons, of course.
Even when they have lost their belongings, there is hope. Hope and smiles. That is what Goducate wants to give through education.