The Senior High School Department Central Student Council (SHS-CSC) heed the call to help the community despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Holy Cross College, the school with heart is guided by the core value of Caritas or charity which leads the student leaders to go to their community and distribute food packs to the chosen beneficiary.
Student leaders selected tricycle drivers, street vendors, construction workers, and homeless residents of Santa Ana who are hardly affected by the pandemic as their beneficiaries.
“In times of crisis, Caritas or charity shine brighter, we decided to organize a Caritas Program to foster the commitment of the school in helping its community,” said SHS-CSC adviser Clareska Chan.
“This is not just a stepping stone for the student-leaders to extend their hands in expressing their affection and love. But instead, this is served as an eye-opener for them to improve and strengthen their leadership. With changing times, as student-leaders, they aim to be a well-rounded individual who can have the privilege to help others, especially those who are in need. contribute to the greater society and community as a whole,” Chan added.
Around 50 packs were given last March 3 to beneficiaries as the start of the outreach programs of the student council. The school is hoping to roll out more Caritas projects which are initiated by the students.
Mark Gelo Mallari, 18, grade 12 students said being part of this endeavor is a great experience and are aware of the community he lived in.
“Helping people especially those who are in need amidst these trying days is a great opportunity. We are thankful and blessed that we are leaders, raised by a school with a heart,” said Mallari.
The SHS Department will be having a virtual student council election this March and the outreach program aimed to set an example for future youth leaders.
Marjolette Pangilinan,18, grade 12 student and a CSC officer said this program nourished them as a person.
“This project of the school gave us realizations that small things may be big things to others,” Pangilinan said.