Ang Magiting - The Official Web Site of Rotary Club Makati North

VISIT TO SSLC

By: Dir. Archie Reaño
October 14, 2009

Instead of having its Weekly meeting at Peninsula Manila, RCMN decided to grant the invitation of Stepping Stone Learning Resources and Therapy Center to conduct the 15th club meeting in their School which is located at #7419 Bernardino St. Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City. When PP Joe and I arrived at the center, my attention was caught by these two very special children (Oscar and Nhisa) who welcomed and accompanied us towards the function room. PP Tony Chong, PP Porong Herrera, IPP Klink Ang, PP Donnies Alas, Dir Bob Hecks were among those who attended the meeting. While waiting, President of SSLC Enrique Lagdameo (PP of RC Makati East) together with Dir. Aks Sebial (PP of RC Paranaque Central) shared some interesting information about Stepping Stone. The land which was given by the city of Makati is their new location and it was a first time for many of the Rotarians to visit there.

PP Dieter Brueckner Moderated the program and because of the absence of President Vic Austria, PE Mac Mclean called the meeting to order. Armie Laurio, One of the students of the center led the invocation and the National Anthem. Before the program started, I visited one the classroom to see some of the students while doing their daily routines. While having lunch, SSLC showed us a short Audio Visual Presentation about the center and its activities. We learned that they have 6 Teachers, 1 Teacher Aid and 1 Teacher Assistant. Art, another student who was introduced to us by Pres Lagdameo, is currently working at RC Makati as an assistant, doing office work (photocopying, sorting, filing, etc.) and was sent back to the mainstream.

During the President’s time, PE Mac McLean mentioned the accomplished relief and support activities of RCMN and he also pointed out the support coming from our sister clubs from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Los Angeles.

President Lagdameo Appealed to RCMN to continue their support to SSLC, where they can sponsor some of the students in their tuition fee amounted to P85, 000.00 per year. And the salary of their teachers, who specialized in special education, contributes 70% of their overhead expenses. Stepping Stone has 29 students right now who are waiting for our support.

Before the program finally ended, all the students showed how special they are by presenting their dancing prowess. These one of a kind experience with those students were really heart-warming and enriching. Thereafter, we ended the meeting with a very exciting pictorial.