Sole for a soul PAREF Rosehill goes to the peripheries

MANILA, Philippines - To heed Pope Francis’ call to “go to the peripheries”, the PAREF Rosehill Student Council launched an outreach project called “Sole for a Soul” in August 2015. The fund-raising project is only one of the school’s relief efforts for Tolosa, Leyte residents who were severely affected by typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.

PAREF Rosehill’s student council decided to donate a pair of school shoes to students of Dona Brigida Elementary School to help them feel better about going to school.

Students from Grade 6 to fourth year high school donated P500 and were encouraged to raise money on their own. Niki, a seventh grader, said: “I saved up from my allowance and was happy that I got to help someone who deserves much more.”

Bea, a sixth grader, earned her P500 donation by playing the violin in an event. “I felt great to be able to help in my own little way,” she said.  

Betina Sales, PAREF Rosehill Student Council president, together with officers Mika and Gabrie Cordero and teachers Calai Clarino and Carmel Mendoza, represented Rosehill students who donated black school shoes to 196 students of Dona Brigida Elementary School in Tolosa, Leyte last Dec. 14, 2015.

“The project helped me to open my eyes to the needs of others, and knowing this has helped me further understand and give meaning to our school’s mantra, I lead. I serve”, Sales said.

Each pair of shoes was personally labeled. Inside each shoe box was a letter from a Rosehill student. One of them, Angela, wrote to the recipient, Larabel: “Hope you like the shoes! Study hard to reach your dreams and never give up. Stay strong with any problems you will encounter and take care. God bless you always. Never forget to smile, Larabel.”

The school thanked parents, students and teachers who supported the project and the Tindog Tolosa Foundation for the opportunity to reach out to Dona Brigida students and teachers.

Indeed, it was worthwhile saving up for the ‘soleful’ cause. “Seeing the smiles on their faces and even some tears of joy upon getting the shoes really made me realize that the best things in life are free,” Sales added.

PAREF Rosehill is a school for girls in Mission Hills, Antipolo City. Admission is ongoing. For inquiries, contact 697-1686, 697-6412, 696-4487, 710-1185 or visit www.parefrosehill.edu.ph.