In its continuing mission to provide the younger generation with opportunities to realize their dreams and passions, non-profit volunteer group I am Making A Difference, Inc. (I am M.A.D.) has launched a new learning tool called the MAD Activity booklet (MACbooklet) that espouses values that help kids to become nation-builders.
Based on the 10 I am M.A.D. Commitments that the group has been sharing with youngsters since its inception in 2009, the MACbooklet is an original creation by the group’s co-founders Mark Conrad Ravanzo and Christian Marx Rivero, and written by Wino Dela Cruz, one of its active volunteers.
The booklet contains interactive content and illustrations, made solely in Microsoft PowerPoint, and a relatable story—inspired by the real-life characters of Damhar and Chooky, two of I am M.A.D.’s youngest volunteers from Basilan.
The latest learning tool highlights the group’s 10 small fundamental habits and to-do’s that can make a big difference, anchored on the Department of Education’s core values—love of God (maka-Diyos), love for others (makatao), love of environment (makakalikasan), and love of country (makabayan).
Benefitting 250 students and led by close to a hundred volunteers, including 42 new recruits, I am M.A.D., this year has so far conducted its trademark three-day I am MAD Camp and pioneered the dissemination of its MACbooklet together with packs of school supplies to far-flung school communities such as Itbayat Central School in Itbayat, Batanes; Camp Susana Elementary School in La Paz, Zamboanga City; Laiban Elementary School in Tanay, Rizal; B. Aldana Central Elementary School in Lamitan City, Basilan; and Mayor Santiago Garcia Memorial Elementary School in Mati City, Davao Oriental.
“As part of our efforts to continuously innovate and give schoolchildren more ways to appreciate learning and further inspire them, we developed and launched the MACbooklet out of donations and help from our sponsors and friends,” said Ravanzo, who is also the illustrator/designer of the booklet.
Ravanzo, however, revealed that with limited resources and working essentially on goodwill of other people, they would need further support to sustain its new initiative.
“We are seeking for support from those who share our advocacy to help us print and distribute our MACbooklet to inspire more kids,” he said.
One MACbooklet costs P50 and the group would need 50 booklets per camp. The group calendared 15 camps all over the Philippines this year and still has 10 remaining outreach in General Santos, Bohol, Sulu, Romblon, Antique, Samar, Tawi-Tawi, Bacolod, Nueva Ecija, and Abra. It also plans to share the booklet to other school partners in the country.
For partnerships, interested volunteers, and sponsors, email [email protected].