Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris Joins District 3700 Project Tour Benefiting Carreta Learning Center Children

"Where hope seems unlikely, Rotary’s shared commitment lights the way."

On November 24, 2025, members of the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris (RCCGM) joined an inspiring project tour alongside their district 3700 partners, including Daegu Murim Rotary Club, Daegu Tabaek Rotary Club, and the Rotary Club of Cebu. The team visited the Carreta Learning Center, a unique educational initiative nestled within the Carreta Cemetery grounds, where underserved children receive weekend classes supported by Filipino teachers and Japanese volunteers from the Daredemo Foundation of Japan.

This center, which operates every Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon, serves as a vital resource providing quality education in an unexpected setting. The project's transformative impact lies in its ability to turn a place traditionally associated with endings into a vibrant space of learning and new beginnings. The Carreta Learning Center embodies how education can open doors to a brighter future, especially for children living in impoverished circumstances.

President Roxene Rosario and Director Evelyn Mercader represented RCCGM during the project tour, showing the club’s solidarity and commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at uplifting communities. By joining this initiative, RCCGM underscores its dedication to Rotary’s core values of fellowship and service beyond borders, supporting efforts that empower the next generation through knowledge and hope.

Best Rotary Areas of Focus

· Education and Literacy: The Carreta Learning Center dedicates itself to enhancing literacy, critical thinking, and social skills among marginalized children. The weekend classes provide a sustainable platform for empowerment through education— a cornerstone of Rotary’s mission.

· Community Development: Utilizing the Carreta Cemetery space creatively, this initiative exemplifies innovative ways to rejuvenate community resources, serving as a model for inclusive growth and upliftment.

· Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention: The multicultural partnership among Rotary clubs from the Philippines, Japan, and South Korea fosters international cooperation, goodwill, and cultural understanding, aligning with Rotary’s vision for a more peaceful world.

RCCGM’s participation in the project tour reflects a profound resonance with its values and goals. Though the club does not directly host or manage the Carreta Learning Center, the experience has strengthened its resolve to collaborate across borders and sectors to provide opportunities where they are most needed. The visit serves as a powerful reminder that illuminating the lives of children through education is a collective responsibility transcending geography and culture.

As the sun sets beyond the Carreta gates, the promise of hope and knowledge shines brighter than ever. “In every corner touched by kindness and partnership, a new story of hope is written.” Through continued cooperation and compassion, Rotary clubs like RCCGM and their partners prove that together they can create lasting change—one child, one lesson, one dream at a time.

Submitted by: Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris, Rotary International District 3860