The visit is part of GMS STUCO’s outreach program and aims to raise awareness among students on the importance of joining activities that strengthen relationships of families and the community, according to the group’s adviser, Davin Feria.
Besides rendering Christmas songs to the manamko’ and giving them gifts, the visitors also conducted a Bible service, which the elderly very much appreciated as they shared their wisdom with students.
“We are all royalty, we are all princes and princesses because we are the children of God. On behalf of manamko’, I would like to acknowledge everyone for your efforts for visiting us here,” said Jackie Limes, a community development specialist at the center.
Members of Green Meadow School’s Middle School Academic Bee Team placed second in this year’s CNMI-wide competition. GMS photo
Elijah Umali, an eighth grader, said the visit was a heart-warming experience for him and talking to the manamko’ made him realize he has to treasure his parents more and everyone else around him.
GMS principal Milagros Songcuan said the school had long been planning to visit the center and interact with the senior citizens, as students see in them their own grandmothers and grandfathers who must be respected and taken care of.
She added that the Christmas caroling and gift-giving at the Manamko’ Center will now be part of the school’s yearly activities. GMS STUCO also promised to visit on Valentine’s Day.
GMS president Glenn Songcuan is pleased to have their STUCO and students participate in activities that benefit not only the school, but also the community and senior citizens.
The GMS family would like to thank Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Robert Hunter and Limes for the kind accommodations and the opportunity to visit the manamko’.
