TULOY SA DON BOSCO (MANILA): 9th April 2005 -- Sonny is his real name. In the local jargon of the Tuloy Foundation he is known as a 'batch top-notcher'. Elsewhere he might be called 'Dux' or 'most outstanding student of the year' or something of that ilk. He addressed his fellow students to say farewell - and welcome to the new ones.
Tuloy Sa Don Bosco, over the past 15 years, has welcomed Filipino youngsters who have nowhere else to turn. It takes them off the streets, reconnects them to fragments of family, educates them in all the dimensions dear to Don Bosco who led the way at the Oratory 150 years ago. Tuloy Sa Don Bosco is a true 'Oratory', with 214 resident youngsters, a team of Salesians led by Fr Rocky Evangelista, Tuloy's founder and inspiration, and other Religious (Franciscan Sisters) and lay helpers. Outgoing Provincial, Fr Francis Gustilo, made Tuloy his last stop before departing - a clear sign of his predilection for a wonderful work.
Now let's hear some extracts from Sonny's amazing story:
"Yes, it is true that education is a bitter seed to take, but its fruit is the sweetest.
"Borne from a very poor family, I was sent to a public school to take my elementary education. Even when I was young, I have always been a diligent student. I woke up early in the morning and before the sun rose, I was already on my way to school. Every day I walked 3 kilometers to get to school and another 3 to get home. At night, I patiently studied my lessons, with only a gas lamp as my companion, since we did not have any electricity. At times my father would tutor me and every time I gave the wrong answer, I received a strong punch in my stomach. I did not hate my father for doing this. In fact, I am very thankful because of him I was able to master the multiplication table and received an award when I was in Grade One.
"When I reached grade three my parents decided to take me to an orphanage so I could continue my studies. They could no longer afford to provide even my basic needs. I cried so hard asking myself why these had to happen. I continued my studies with the help of the Bethany House.
"When I was in Grade Six, I learned that my father was murdered. Being separated from my family was already hard, and losing my father was too much for me to bear. I was very sad, and I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to take revenge for he was everything to me....
Sonny goes on at this point to explain how he got as far as entry to High School - but failed! He was recommended for Tuloy. That was 5 years ago. He goes on...
"I was worried and nervous. I did not know what the future held for me. Despite the uncertainties, I was determined ....to continue studying, complete a course so I can work and live a decent and productive life. I was determined and still am to fulfil this long-term goal. Over the years my fears slowly disappeared. With the unselfish love of Fr. Rocky, the Board of Trustees, the ManCom, the Community, the team of volunteers, the staff, friends, benefactors and partners of Tuloy, whose common desire is to save and improve the lives of children in distress and transform them to productive members of future generations, I began to see hope and the light to a brighter future.
"Tuloy brought me closer to God and to Mama Mary, who I believe brought me here. Tuloy welcomed me into the world filled with prayers, respect for self and others, peace, joy and love. Tuloy instilled in my heart the value of patience, obedience, thrift, humility, discipline, kindness and service. Tuloy honed and enriched my talents, and equipped me with wisdom and skills for life. They healed the wounds of my past and lifted my self-esteem.
"Tuloy taught me proper time management and to take care of the other aspects of my life - That there should be time for my personal hygiene, for doing household chores, community service, playing, studying, relaxing, eating, sleeping and for prayer & worship. Here, I am not simply a by-stander but an integral part of the Tuloy Family. Here, I learned to associate with people and to treat everyone with respect. Here, I was taught to look after and to serve others.
Sonny explains the future that is now laid out ahead of him. He has already found employment in his chosen field of Electrical and Electronics Technology. His final words are a moving expression of gratitude to the men and women who have brought him to this point.
"Without you, we might still be in the streets, exposed to negative elements; or perhaps in jail, for we would have become hardened criminals; or maybe six feet below the ground, as a consequence of our misguided lives. Through you we learned to appreciate and to enjoy our youth the Bosconian way. We felt the hands of Don Bosco and the loving graces of God.
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