After only three workshops this school year, Paaralang Pinoy has discovered already some talented individuals who love sharing their Filipino heritage to our young people. And together with these Kuya, Até, or Tita, the kids have found their Fil-Am community in the midst of Northern Virginia.
Parents are always a part of this co-op model of teaching kids, and in Paaralang Pinoy, our parents assist in the workshops. We follow a curriculum that provides the framework for our lessons but the experiences and stories of our elders add depth to the conversations.
Some have visited the Philippines recently, and are able to share their experiences. Some have visited the towns and provinces in our lessons, and add local color to our subjects. And our second-generation parents who grew up away from their Filipino heritage learn alongside their children!
Occasionally, we find a Tita or Lola or Kuya who belong to the local Filipino community, and who love to share their time and talent with Paaralang Pinoy! They are not related to anybody in the class but will join us on a Sunday afternoon to teach the Cariñosa dance or to sing Dungawin mo Hirang as an example of a kundiman!
You can also become a part of this community. We have two more workshops in the school year, and your support--maybe your singing voice or dancing feet, knowledge or fluency in a local language or dialect, vacation experience at one of our famous Philippine beaches, perhaps you have a bibingka and puto recipe--are welcome in Paaralang Pinoy!
Our children, when they grow up and look back, will remember your stories and your presence fondly and with deep appreciation. In fact, they may even come back to share their teaching talents with the younger ones!
Kaya sige, sali na kayo!
