‘Kariton Klasrum’ bringing hope to out-of-school youths, families

Jun 1st, 2009 | 60

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EXCLUSIVE

By MADELYNNE DOMINGUEZ

June 1, 2009, 4:38pm

MARIKINA CITY — The efforts of 28-year-old Efren Penaflorida Jr., dubbed the CNN hero for his mission to boost “Kariton Klasrum” as a means of teaching out-of-school youth, did not go to waste as some students of Master in Communication at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Open University (MC-PUP-OU) and the city of Marikina joined hands in expanding his mission to reach to a greater number of people.

MC students calling themselves as Dynamic Seven, composed of Rizalina Dominguez, Weng Morta, Marynelle Laureta, Melanie Santias, Maria Rebecca Nieto Litan , Baby Ruth Fortuna and Warlito Limet, decided to tie up with the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC) of Penaflorida for their outreach education program in schools which they called “kariton ng karunungan.”

The Dynamic Seven tapped the city government of Marikina, believing that they share with Marikina Mayor Marides C. Fernando and Penaflorida, the founder of DTC Kariton project,their own version of providing knowledge to underprivileged children.

For his part, Mandaluyong City Mayor Benhur Abalos also donated drinks and hamburgers to feed 50 children who attended Monday’s educational outreach learning while the OMF Literature Inc. donated some children books.

As initial support, Mandaluyong donated some books to the group for use in their educational activity as the PUP-OU is also now eyeing partnership with Dynamic Seven, City of Marikina and the DTC in line with the recent success of the educational program.

Ruby Gapasin, chairperson of the MC-PUP-OU, said the vision of Penaflorida needs to be backed up and be boosted to benefit thousands of youth nationwide.

“I really admire this guy who finds time to volunteer services to teach the children,” said Gapasin.

Dynamic Seven said it felt proud to be in partnership with DTC and Cavite 8586, the mother of DTC, chaired by Bonn Manalaysay.

DTC is a 12-year-old Cavite City-based youth organization founded by Penaflorida. One of its unique advocacies, and now widely-recognized by media and international organizations including the CNN and United Nations, is the weekly “kariton”-based learning/educational activity in urban poor communities in Cavite City.

Teenage and children volunteers help Penaflorida undertake this humongous task of getting out-of-school children to love learning, get interested in education and learn values to hone their characters.

Some of the things the group teaches are hygiene tips, values formation, literacy (reading and storytelling) and indulges in activities such as call activity center, values formation and feeding program.

“I am confident that with the help of the Dynamic Seven we could encourage other groups, private sector, government as well as schools especially MC-PUP-OU to be part in expanding the kariton to other areas in the country by providing volunteers to teach,” said Penaflorida.

The Dynamic Seven followed Penaflorida’s footsteps, adopting his Kariton Advocacy, believing that big things come from small packages.

They plan to start the kariton advocacy in Brgy. Teresa by proposing a partnership with PUP’s masscom program to continue or carry on what begun last May 24.

“Kaya Kariton para lahat welcome “sumakay” or “makisakay” sa kariton ke politiko, concerned citizens or whoever. What matters is they get to expand the karitons to a fleet nationwide,” said Becky one of the members of the Dynamic Seven.

The place initially selected by the group was Brgy. Teresa Zone 8 in Sta. Mesa, Manila, a community right across PUP. It has a population of approximately 3,000, with some residents engaged in selling food and renting space for livelihood, and with some unemployed families living in depressed corners whose children are being deprived of formal education.

Hence, a one day of learning with the help of DTC can perhaps make a difference in these families’ lives.

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60 Comments on “‘Kariton Klasrum’ bringing hope to out-of-school youths, families”

On June 6th, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Raul R. Corro said:

Im interested in implementing your kariton program in Muntinlupa City.May I request for a meeting at your most convenient time.Thank you.
On July 3rd, 2009 at 12:22 AM
Junnie Salud said:

I’m really interested to take part on this project. I’m an Education Student (a future teacher) and I think I could be in great help.
On July 6th, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Pinoy Expressions said:

How can we become potential partners. Very nice programs.
On August 22nd, 2009 at 8:48 PM
hapi man, street educator said:

I am overwhelmed by your accomplishments, I am too as of now is starting my own program for the street children. I would love to get to know you in person and talk to you. your input will be highly appreciated, this is for the street children.
On August 29th, 2009 at 3:51 PM
izzi zafra said:

hi, how can we join you, as volunteers?
thank you,
Godbless!
On October 3rd, 2009 at 1:42 PM
jessica said:

Hi! really interested in joining.. or volunteering in your project “kariton klasrum.” how can i reach you po and join? thanks!
On October 6th, 2009 at 6:07 PM
karen said:

hi i am interested to be one of your volunteers, i am pre school teacher befote, and I want to help!!!
On October 6th, 2009 at 8:49 PM
Lot Gernan said:

efren,
saludo ako sayo at sa buong grupo mo,
I will do my best to support you here in ireland and will spread the very excellent job you’re doing in our country.
Mabuhay tayong lahat!
On October 7th, 2009 at 6:19 PM
janet bueno tubalinal (AQ) said:

efren,
keep up the good work, susuportahan ka namin dito sa bray, ireland.
sana dumami pa ang katulad mo sa pinas!
God bless us all, mabuhay ang Pilipinas,mabuhay ang pinoy!
On October 9th, 2009 at 9:53 AM
Irene M.D said:

HI’ i want to be one of your volunteers, how can we join?
On October 11th, 2009 at 9:02 AM
may said:

hi i want to volunteer. im a faculty (statistics) at UP Manila. sana makatulong din ako.
On October 19th, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Edna Loreno said:

efren ibinoto din kita sana manalo ka kasi talaga naman rock bottom
ang story mo…
On October 25th, 2009 at 9:55 PM
nene jardiniano said:

praying God Almighty will cause you to prosper all the days of your life, may He find delight in what you are doing..I thank God for the love He impressed in your heart.
On October 27th, 2009 at 9:57 AM
Grace Rafael said:

Hi Guys! Praise God for that wonderful help that you’re giving and extending to our less fortunate brothers. Your labor is not in vain for God can see the heart of the people. The Lord is the rewarder of every good works. I want to have that kind of program in slum areas here in Mandaluyong…I want to know the entire program and system of educating children and teens through that kind of system. Can you tell me how please?
On October 30th, 2009 at 8:21 PM
aileen said:

siR efRen..
a real hero u are..indeed!
God bless u good health,always..
On November 6th, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Nadia Valdez said:

Good day Sir Efren!

Nice program, I want to join you as volunteer, how can I join you in this program?

Thank you and May God bless you. Keep it up!
On November 9th, 2009 at 9:15 AM
Jecy said:

Thank you for all your efforts. you have touched so many lives. Please keep at it.

Thank you, may God bless you always.
On November 9th, 2009 at 1:07 PM
rowena said:

sir efren,
nice idea,i know you have lots of sacrifices for doing this,keep up the goodwork.God is always with you,God bless all of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On November 12th, 2009 at 1:13 AM
Jay of Milan said:

We salute you efren. You make us filipinos here in Italy proud!
On November 12th, 2009 at 4:53 PM
juliet said:

sir efren,

when i heared “kariton klasrum” i was thinking how it is?how will you teaching a children while you are in a kariton?but then you made it!!! i my self say you are already a hero!!
to all my kababayan pls vote for “EFREN PENAFLORIDA”
On November 20th, 2009 at 6:07 PM
jay said:

Your true Pilipino…
On November 20th, 2009 at 7:55 PM
Vincent said:

Hello! Our newest Bayani! Mabuhay po!! Gud Luck!
On November 21st, 2009 at 1:09 AM
Ernie C. Amagsila said:

I vote for Efren Penaflorida for the CNN Heroes Award.
Please help the parents of the kids you help with “Kariton Klasrum” to vote wisely and never to allow themselves to be used by politicians.
On November 21st, 2009 at 3:28 PM
jhune said:

lupet mo kababayan
On November 23rd, 2009 at 1:46 AM
Maligaya said:

Efren, congratulations! Filipinos all over the world are proud of you.
On November 23rd, 2009 at 3:19 AM
Helen Altamirano said:

I was so amazed and impressed with your group–I got tears. Thank you Efren and to all volunteers who made things difference especially to the lives of needy people. You are 100% hero to us. Keep the good job. God bless you all!
On November 23rd, 2009 at 8:19 AM
rico said:

Congrats on being chosen CNN’s Hero of the year, Just saw it on Cnn tonight. You make us proud. Mabuhay ang Filipino!! You are one unique individual. May your tribe grow. Keep up the good work. May God bless us.
On November 23rd, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Chester Diaz said:

Congratulations Efren Penaflorida! You are the first Filipino got the prestigious award from CNN. Mabuhay ka!
On November 23rd, 2009 at 1:48 PM
Josephine Mistica said:

Good day! I am impressed of what you are doing with the street children. I am also interested to help in your mission. I also wanted to be involved with these little children through teaching. Is it possible to join you in your mission?
On November 24th, 2009 at 8:23 AM
jp said:

wooow!!!GALING NMN,,,,,congratssssss,,,
On November 24th, 2009 at 12:42 PM
Anne Marie Puentespina said:

Dear Efren and Teen Dynamic Company,

Mabuhay and congratulations for your Kariton Klasrum energy and perseverance. Now that you and your company have been honored and known all over the world as the CNN Hero of the Year, it is my best wishes and hope that you will continue to flourish. Let not politics let you down.

God bless you ! You make all the Filipinos/Filipinas proud all over the world!!!

Congratulations and kudos…..I am a nars and let me know how I can help, Efren…
On November 24th, 2009 at 11:44 PM
emie said:

SIR EF…CONGRATULATIONS!…you really made us (OFW’S) proud..
MAY our DEAR LORD BLESS US ALL…MABUHAY PHILIPPINES..

MORE POWER DYNAMIC TEEN GROUP!!!..keep up the good heart!
On November 25th, 2009 at 12:36 AM
Angie said:

Efren,

Congratulations! May you continue to inspire us all! I wish to help… have a group which proposes to conduct a mobile cooking class, I wonder how we can have a tie up?
On November 25th, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Bessie said:

may God bless you and your team, together with all your loved ones always! sana you’ll stay focused on your goal and not be swayed by ‘outside’ forces…keep your faith, do your best and God will do the rest…sana marami pang tumulong at mas marami kayong matulungan…
On November 25th, 2009 at 1:09 PM
jhedi said:

congratulations kuya efren!
On November 26th, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Maricris Quiñones said:

hi sir! na inspired ako sa inyo… matagal ko na gus2ng sumali sa mga ganyang organisasyon… tga cavite din ako.. maari po ba akong sumali? mag volunteer??? paano po? plz email me sir.. tnx sooo much! i love to help…
On November 26th, 2009 at 8:54 PM
Angel said:

Hello,

I would like to commend your efforts for making a huge difference not only to the kids in slum areas where you teach but to Filipinos in general. Personally, this gave me renewed hope to our country.

I would like to donate books, particularly text books. How can I send them over to you? Or do you pickup books? Please let me know.

Thanks,
Angel
On November 27th, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Joey L said:

Congrats Efren! You truly are an inspiration… more power to you and God bless!
On November 29th, 2009 at 12:29 AM
shieralen Ello said:

congrats…… im proud of you kabayan…you trully the GREAT hero…keep it up!!!!GOD Bless you always..i hope i can also help your group (how can i contact u??)))),,, HAND IN HAND we can make a DIFFERENCE”"

“we dont just stare but instead we also show we care”"”

people dont care how much you know until they know how much you care
On November 29th, 2009 at 6:33 PM
Lani Garcia said:

Hello,
Congratulations!

mayron din kaming mga tinutulungan na mga bata dito sa angeles city, na di nila kayang mag aral, puede ba kaming mag join sa group niyo para ma reach out din ninyo sila?

God Bless!

lani garcia
On November 29th, 2009 at 7:46 PM
jaylord rodriguez said:

galing mo idol k ng lahat keep it up
mabuhay tayonh mga caviteno ^_^

GodBless
On November 30th, 2009 at 2:33 PM
roi said:

hi po kuya efren
job well done
naka tulong po kayo sa mga mahihirap na bata sana tuloy tuloy na po ang pagtutulong nyo idol ko po kayo
2009 CNN hero of the year!!!!!!!!!!
On November 30th, 2009 at 7:50 PM
chielo gascon said:

good job on helping those children , hope you have a BETTER LIFE
On December 2nd, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Ronald Sapiandante said:

Hope springs eternal,

May the good Lord increase your kind.

May the formal educational system yardstick be measured with thine

And thank you for giving us good materials to contrast the
seemingly ruthless Business Process Re-engineering methodologies our course had as bound.

Godspeed
On December 3rd, 2009 at 4:09 PM
gloria said:

Congratulations! to u Efren.You’re one in a million.The first time i hear n see u is when u won the cnn hero.I really feel happiness and I’m crying when i heard that u won as a hero for what u’ve done.I’m also a volunteer teacher in ALS here in our place Nueva Ecija.What u desire is what i am desiring also.Actually,im already 35 yrs.old and i still have 15 units to graduate education,but my heart is still in teaching.Hope to meet u someday,be blessed n more power.Kariton klasrum i think is good in some barrios here in our place.Will u advise.Thanx!
On December 4th, 2009 at 3:00 AM
Adrian (Dubai) said:

Idol how are you? I have been watching your videos in CNN several times your story is very touching, inspiring for all the filipinos all over the world! Mabuhay kayong lahat!!!!!!!!!!!!
On December 14th, 2009 at 2:41 PM
zonnethjoanino said:

You touched my heart. I’ve always thinking to teach children back home. Because,just like you, I am from a poor family. mahihirap ang gustong tumulong sa kapwa? because, they’ve gone through trials in life that rich people don’t understand.You are a good person I salute you.
On December 22nd, 2009 at 6:42 PM
Willy Gayo said:

gusto ko po sana gawin din ang kariton klasrum. pano pu ba ito gawin at kung pede ko po bang gayahin ang inyong ideya? ty po… i want to help to our fellow Filipino
On January 4th, 2010 at 1:35 PM
Flora 'lolet' Tejano-Manulat said:

Hello bayaning EFREN… am ur tita lolet, a mother&teacher in Mindanao State University…tho my home is in Iligan City…
in our church we have a 6-yr old group -”good news club”… kids go to our church every Sunday to learn Bible stories & songs… we cater some spiritual & little physical (snacks only and Php10.00 each child for their fare) food to these Urban-Poor kids… Sad to tell u that some of them are constrained to go to school because of financial reason… hence am so interested with what you have done (and are doing) to these out-of-school kids… am just hoping to be part of your arm here in Mindanao… God bless u Kapatid…
On January 19th, 2010 at 7:18 AM
Nelia said:

Good job Efren, thanks for such a kind and good person on you……GOD BLESS U
On January 19th, 2010 at 11:36 AM
Raemmil Nulada said:

We lead a group of future teachers here in SIPC-WVCST Miago, Iloilo. We are doing our part in motivating students to share what they can to those who need it most.

Minsan mahirap nga pero basta masaya ka sa ginagawa mo walang imposible. Ipagpatuloy natin ang pagiging bayani ng sarili nating buhay. Ang patulong sa kaya nating paraan at paggawa ng tama sa lahat ng panahon.

Salamat sa inspirasyon. Salamat kaibigan!
On February 2nd, 2010 at 8:10 PM
marco said:

inspired ako sa ginawa mo!!!!gaya mo ang kailangan ng ating bansa…
On February 10th, 2010 at 10:54 AM
whelbert avila said:

hi i’m a public school teacher. i have a 60 sqr. mtr studio painted in pastels. equipped w. tables, chairs and a whiteboard. its located in a mountain barangay in consolacion, cebu (cebu city suburb) inside a low cost housing project. the place is about 4km away from the nearest school. there are lots’ve kids in and out’ve the project. i hope you can help them by using the place for your program. i’m hoping for your speedy reply.
On February 11th, 2010 at 7:17 AM
Tim Dolan said:

Hello Efren;
The teaching lessons that you promote will enable the world to be better for all. Keep up the good work!
On February 26th, 2010 at 4:30 PM
jannine a. elleva said:

how can i be a part of this org?
On February 28th, 2010 at 3:46 PM
Michelle said:

Hi! I have old elementary books of my sister.. Do you think it can help your kariton klasrum?
On March 21st, 2010 at 1:00 AM
kristine said:

Hi! I’m a president of one of the organizations in PNU-NCTE Manila. My members and I would like to help this company in reaching and giving hope for the out-of-school youths in our country. Being students in a teaching institution, how can we be a part of the ‘Kariton Klasrum movement’? Through this activity, we are expecting to inspire the children and help them build a strong foundation for their dreams. It is a very big pleasure for us to help you for this kind of activity. I’m looking forward for your response. Thank you and God bless us!
On March 29th, 2010 at 1:33 AM
Sulekha Ramayya said:

Congratulations Mr. Efrin, and hats off to you. You really brought tears in our eyes.
We see so much wastage here in America and want to bring awareness to the families here about what life is. I am a high school student involved in community work. I plan to collect all the pens/ pencils, crayons, papers etc. at the end of school year both from my school and from a few other schools in the area and ship it to you. But in order for me to get anything started I need to get in touch with you and start a line of communication that I can present to my school/ school district and begin the process. See the redtapism you even for charity work!. Anyway I need to do this soon as the school year ends in early June and I have to have the approval by end of April. If you think our services can be of some value to you please get in touch with me. I want to avoid big organizations as they take away so much for administration costs. I will do fund raising etc for collection and shipping myself with the help of my family. Hope to hear from you soon.
Sulekha Ramayya
On April 11th, 2010 at 7:20 AM
Tony said:

Is there progress on this (in Cebu)?

On February 10th, 2010 at 10:54 AM
whelbert avila said:

hi i’m a public school teacher. i have a 60 sqr. mtr studio painted in pastels. equipped w. tables, chairs and a whiteboard. its located in a mountain barangay in consolacion, cebu (cebu city suburb) inside a low cost housing project. the place is about 4km away from the nearest school. there are lots’ve kids in and out’ve the project. i hope you can help them by using the place for your program. i’m hoping for your speedy reply.
On June 10th, 2010 at 9:42 AM
joji haines said:

I used to live in Cavite City from 1961-1981 then moved to the US. Unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to go back so I was shocked to learn about the living conditions in Cavite city.
I am so amazed at what you and DTC have done for the children not just in Cavite City but other parts of the Philippines! You truly are a hero! You are an inspiration!

I’ve been a Girl Scout leader in Maryland and our troop would LOVE to help out in every capacity. Please let us know how we can join the “Kariton Klasrum” movement and reach out to the out-of-school youths of the Philippines. The girls will need to educate the community of your program and raise funds to collect books, school supplies or other supplies that you need.

Please let us know if this is something that the girls can start working on.

‘Kariton Klasrum’ bringing hope to out-of-school youths, families

60 Comments on “‘Kariton Klasrum’ bringing hope to out-of-school youths, families”

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