JCI-Zugbuana grants child’s wish

An abused girl undergoing a therapy has a simple wish in life: a bicycle, a dress and to be able to continue her studies.

An all-female civic organization learned about her case and without hesitation raised money for the realization of her wish.

The Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippines-Zugbuana will be awarding the girl’s wish in a ceremony on Saturday at 8 a.m. at Jollibee Mango in uptown Cebu City.

Sheryl Pagapong, project chair, said the girl is one of the beneficiaries of this year’s annual “Grant A Wish” project, which is now on its seventh year.

The project started with the granting of scholarships and livelihood assistance to the top graduating high school students across the country and their families, respectively.

In cooperation with JCI sister chapters from Manila, Ortigas, Iligan-Dayang Dayang and mother chapter-Metro Uptown Cebu, JCI-Zugbuana implemented the “Grant A Wish” project.

However this year, they shifted their beneficiaries to abused children.

“We have seen that abused children need more assistance and support so they can recover from their predicament,” said Sheryl.

In identifying their beneficiaries, Pagapong said they coordinated with the management of “Pink Center,” a special project of Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) for the abused children.

“We are capacitating the children to become future leaders of our country. However, it is sad that some people take advantage of their innocence,” said Marianne-Cindy Tesoro, vice chair of the project.

For those who wish to give hope to these children and their families, you can reach Pagapong at (0917) 3216680.