“Paying It Forward” Part V. Engine Repair Training

Yes, where will they go? What will they do with a high school education? Empathizing with the grim possibilities of young people like themselves going out in the world armed with only a high school diploma, a group of students sponsored eleven 3rd and 4th year Boystown wards for a ten-Saturday Training on Engine Repair and Diesel Engine Maintenance at Meralco Foundation.

Fund-raisingg Poster

Wow! Surprise! Taking time out on several Saturdays, they took turns bringing their trainees merienda. (Lunch was part of the P4,000 / trainee package.)

Trainees pose for a class picture

But the graduation they staged for the boys was even more amazing. Their long haired group leader confided to me that they thought this may be the only grad ceremonies the trainees would ever have. So they made it really memorable.

Each graduate, as he walked up the stage was introduced, his biodata read out his photo flashed on the big screen. Meralco Foundation gave the certificates.

Foyer of the Meralco Foundation, Inc. building

Then there was a sumptuous merienda of “Spag,” pancit malabon, cakes & other pastries galore, barbecue and drinks.certainly solicited from the group members' parents. Their funds, raised from frantic buying and selling of goodies, plus other money making schemes was just enough to sponsor eleven trainees. “


A good time, hopefully an unforgettable one was had by all.