In the heart of Cebu City, where the vibrant spirit of community thrived, the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris embarked on a transformative journey to enhance the vision health of students at Tejero Elementary School. This initiative, part of the larger Brigada Eskwela program in public elementary schools, aimed not only to provide immediate assistance but also to foster a culture of awareness regarding eye health among young learners.
The Need For Vision Care
Recent studies revealed a startling statistic: approximately 30% of children in Cebu City suffered from poor eyesight.
This alarming figure highlighted the urgent need for interventions that addressed vision-related issues among students. Recognizing this challenge, the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris mobilized resources and support from generous sponsors, including Charity Vision, Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Southwestern University PHINMA - Optometric Department, The Optometric Association of the Philippines, and the Cebu Optometric Society. Together, they organized an Optical Mission that changed
lives.
The Optical Mission
On September 26, 2024, the mission commenced with thorough eye screenings for Grade 5 students and other qualified elementary students. The atmosphere at Tejero Elementary was filled with excitement as students eagerly awaited their turn for eye examinations. With the dynamic Principal Ms. Churchita Padernal leading the charge, the school transformed into a hub of hope and healing. The comprehensive eye examinations conducted on October 1 revealed many students in need of corrective lenses. The following week, on October 10, marked a significant milestone as eyeglasses were distributed to those qualified beneficiaries.
Each pair not only represented improved vision but also symbolized a brighter future filled with possibilities.
Students who once struggled to see the blackboard or read their textbooks were now equipped with the tools necessary for academic success. Alongside these efforts, an informative talk was held to educate students about the harmful effects of excessive cellphone use on eye health. This session empowered students with knowledge about proper eye care practices and encouraged them to take responsibility for their vision health. Parents were invited to participate in this educational initiative, ensuring they understood their children's needs and could support them at home.
Community Engagement
As they approached World Sight Day on October 12, 2024, this mission served as a poignant reminder of the importance of vision care in our communities. World Sight Day is an annual event that aims to raise awareness about blindness and visual impairment globally. It encourages individuals and organizations alike to take action towards improving eye health for all. The Rotary Club's initiative aligned perfectly with this global movement, showcasing how local actions could contribute to worldwide efforts.
The impact of this Optical Mission extended beyond just providing eyeglasses; it cultivated a sense of community responsibility and awareness about eye health issues that affected countless children in Cebu City.
By addressing immediate needs while simultaneously educating students and parents, the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris laid the groundwork for long-term change. With each pair of eyeglasses handed out, stories of transformation unfolded—students who once felt isolated due to their inability to see clearly began to engage more actively in their studies and extracurricular activities. The joy in their eyes was palpable as they realized that they could now participate fully in their education.
Looking Ahead
This initiative exemplified the Rotary Club's commitment to serving those in need while
fostering a brighter future for our children. As they looked forward to World Sight Day
2024, they were reminded that every child deserves the gift of sight—a gift that opens
doors to learning, growth, and opportunity.
As a result, the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris not only empowered students at
Tejero Elementary School but also ignited a movement towards greater awareness and
action regarding vision care in Cebu City. Together with community partners and
supporters, they made strides towards ensuring that every child could see clearly and
thrive academically.
Comentários