By. Ms. Retlyn Ceballos, GS Teacher
Hook: “Daghan jod kaayog nakat-onan ug nag-enjoy jud mi” were words uttered by one parent volunteer.
To celebrate the start of Love Month, the Grade School Math Area invited parent volunteers from Casili Elementary School, Cubacub Elementary School, and Pagsabungan Elementary School to a morning filled with fun and relaxation. The Blue Plate Project is Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu’s feeding program for malnourished pupils. Indeed, this program plays a vital role in supporting various families in need. However, the dedication and tireless efforts of parent volunteers can sometimes lead to stress and burnout, as they also face their own challenges. Recognizing the importance of volunteers’ well-being, the morning focused on providing a dedicated “Wellness Day” for parents who generously contribute their time and effort to the program.
The session began with a brief Bible sharing, followed by a discussion on defining “Stress” and identifying personal “Stressors.” The parent volunteers talked about what causes them stress and how they manage it. Then, the speakers presented practical stress management techniques that can be practiced at home, including mindfulness exercises, breathing exercises, yoga, and various de-stressing activities.
To cap off the morning, the session concluded with a relaxing activity at the school’s swimming pool, where the parent volunteers enjoyed a fun Aqua Zumba class and had free time to mingle with parent volunteers from other partner schools. This offered an engaging and interactive opportunity for the volunteers to unwind, socialize, and recharge after a morning of learning and relaxation.
By prioritizing the well-being of parent volunteers, the school not only shows its appreciation for their invaluable contributions, but also ensures their ongoing ability to support the program’s mission and create a lasting impact on the community.
Overall, the activity was highly appreciated by the parent volunteers, and they look forward to more activities like this.
