TSU-STEP leads outreach program at St. Joseph Home for Special Children for 10th anniversary

Report by Jayane Leslie Feliciano | Photos by Julyanna Lyde Denise Bautista

Striving Towards Empowerment and Progress (STEP), the oldest socio-political organization in Tarlac State University (TSU), marked its 10th year founding anniversary through a community outreach program for the St. Joseph Home for Special Children, held at San Jose, Tarlac City, this February 15, 2024 (SATURDAY).

With the theme, "Isang Dekada ng Pagdaong: Lakbay ng Kalinga at Pagkaisa," the event was conducted alongside partnered TSU organizations, College of Science - Red Cross Youth Council, and Vessels of Humanity - TSU Vessel Cell; as well as student publications, College of Arts and Social Sciences - The Oracle and College of Public Administration - The Bureaucrat.

STEP and its partners facilitated a short program with song-and-dance and drawing activities for the St. Joseph children, while also extending their services through donations consisting of food, hygiene, medical, and school supplies.

The event also served as a means for STEP members to reunite with their alumni and establish relations with other organizations for a meaningful 10th anniversary celebration.

According to STEP President Benedict John Aviles, the event was originally intended and planned for the previous academic year but was only pushed through this current term.

"Hindi rin kami aware talaga sa mismong date ng anniversary ng organization, last sem lang namin nalaman noong nabanggit ng alumni sa’min, kaya ayon, sabi ko, what if isabay natin sa outreach natin?" explained President Aviles.

STEP also mentioned finding the St. Joseph Home for Special Children via recommendation from their former Vice President, Vincent Michael De Guzman, last academic year.

"Pero hindi lang din naman doon, malapit lang din kasi s’ya, plus malapit din kasi ang puso namin para sa kanila," President Avlies stated their reasons.

For STEP Director on Memberships and CASS Psychology student, Kyla Magat, the event was both an opportunity and fulfilling moment which cannot always be experienced.

"Yung unconditional positive regard, ibigay natin sakanila," Magat applied her learning from the Psychology department.

Meanwhile, according to St. Joseph social worker, Ms. Jenelyn Carullo, this is the fifth time that the home had received help from an outreach program and that they are always grateful that the children get material donations and are able to eat food that they have not tried before.

"Sana kahit ganiyan ang situation nila (children), ma-reach-out nila ang mga pangarap nila at matugunan pa ang mga pangangailangan nila," Ms. Carullo extended her hopes.

St. Joseph Home for Special Children serves as a refuge for children in need of homes, including those with disabilities and special needs. It is currently led by Sr. Leoncia Mateo, the home’s Local Superior.

The outreach program stands as a testament to STEP’s decade-long commitment to service, empowerment, and community involvement, paving the way for future initiatives that foster compassion and solidarity within and beyond TSU.