THE STARFISH PROJECT 2024: GUMBOOT FRIDAY WALK

In 2013, just a day after my birthday, I figured in a road traffic accident. Due to this accident, I suffered a fractured leg after only being a couple of months in Singapore, my first overseas teaching job. I wouldn’t be able to tend to my students anymore, so my work pass was cancelled, and I had to go back to the Philippines - unemployed, and still indebted with an employment agency fee.

It was an unfortunate event, but so many earth angels were sent to help me. With so much gratitude in my heart, I started what would later be an annual outreach program called ”The Starfish Project" in 2014 which was inspired by Loren Eiseley’s “The Starfish Story”.

The project happens every August, with themes that differ every year. This year's is “THE STARFISH PROJECT 2024: GUMBOOT FRIDAY WALK”. Gumboot Friday, which is under I AM HOPE FOUNDATION, is a mental health organization that offers free counselling services for young New Zealanders aged 5-25.

As I continue to teach young minds and touch their hearts, I am praying that my students become good citizens of the world. I’m hoping they wouldn’t need to, but if they end up directly benefitting from this year's starfish project, then the full-circle scenario would mean my… no, OUR efforts have not gone to waste.

Join me and, together, let’s help a starfish find it’s way back into the ocean!