Kalipay Learning Center
In an intimate ceremony on Saturday, May 7, 2016, Kalipay Negrense Foundation, Inc. invited its supporters and friends as they dedicated the new school building at Recovered Treasures compound
In her welcome speech, Anna Balcells, Founder/President, recounted her fears when Recovered Treasures Home was entrusted to her care. Partners of Hope, a Christian organization from the U.S., used to run Recovered Treasures until a shortage of funds from the US forced them to put a halt on their operations. It was then that Partners of Hope decided to entrust the home to Kalipay. The home had approximately 50 children then, and Anna, not wanting the children to lose the home they had considered their own for several years, decided to take on the challenge.
“I didn’t even think we would last a year,” she narrated, “yet here we are, years later, inaugurating a new school building.”
Anna took the opportunity to thank those who donated and contributed funds for the construction of the school.
Anna ended her speech by addressing the children, “Know that you are blessed. This school is a gift to you because you deserve the best, and all I ask is that you take good care of it.”
The ceremony also included the unveiling of a marker stating that the school was built mainly through the generous donation of Jorge and Rosario Ortoll, in memory of their mother Concepcion Z. Ortoll.
Jorge Ortoll walked among the children and addressed them with a simple message: to study hard, never cheat, to do their best, and enjoy school.
The children got their chance to thank the donors with heartwarming performances.
Kalipay Learning Center was managed by Bethany Life Center from 2016 up to 2018. On July 2, 2018, Kalipay Negrense Foundation opened its door to an educational partnership with the University of Santo Tomas – Angelicum College. Thus was started the University of Santo Tomas – Angelicum College Kalipay Learning Center.
REAP was created with the vision of helping those who are not able to use the traditional learning system. It usually caters to out-of-school youth and adults who are motivated to complete primary and secondary education. This program makes use of a modular approach so that learners may work at their own pace.
Because REAP is non-conventional, learners like Kalipay children are able to move between levels once they meet the requirements and show mastery of the modules. Progress and mastery are measured through achievement tests. The holistic approach of the REAP program of UST – Angelicum is appreciated and valued by the children of Kalipay because of the discipline that comes with learning.