NGO-run learning center fosters culture of volunteerism and learning

Many people, especially young people, are looking for ways to make a difference in the country. Never has the spirit of volunteerism been more alive. At A-Ha! Learning Center, people with time and knowledge to give help and encourage children to do better in academics, and in life.

A-Ha is a free tutoring center for public schoolchildren. It is currently helping out 100 to 150 kids with math and English tutoring programs and a value formation program.

"My sister, Aina Valencia, and I were inspired by my mom and all her good work in the community so we started A-Ha in 2008. We wanted a clean and well-lit place for kids to study after school, basically," said Jaton Zulueta, A-Ha's henter head.

The center offers clubs for the students, such as the reading and writing club. The kids can read their first novels and publish their first essays through its quarterly zine. Field trips also form part of their activities, the most recent one being to a performance by the Manila Symphony Orchestra.

But it isn't just about the kids. A-Ha is also a learning opportunity for the volunteers, in terms of people skills and classroom management.

"We have a lot over the years. It's a place for people to graduate, to be and to do better. We've had volunteers that have went on to put up NGOs, to become public school teachers, missionaries. More than anything else, we always ask the volunteers to bring home whatever love and whatever lesson they learn in the place," Jaton said.

"My favorite stories are usually the ones where our volunteers share that through A-Ha, they've learned to be more loving to their parents, or have become better mothers, fathers. Many have learned to play again, which is a beautiful thing," said Jaton.


Jaton feels that fostering a culture of volunteerism is important because it reminds people that by working together, great things can be achieved.

"Our country has so many creative problems and so many talented amazing people who are capable of coming up with creative solutions," Jaton said. "There are a number of inspiring initiatives, if everyone just thought about what they love to do, and what they're good at, and had that translated into service, then our country would be in much better shape."

A-Ha's journey has been a personal one for Jaton as well, one that he shares with fellow volunteers. "I like it because it's a happy place; the kids, their moms, and the volunteers call it hope. The people you meet here are real treasures. I've learned so much about love from the kids, so much about perseverance from the moms, and so much about hope from the volunteers."

The spirit of volunteerism extends to A-Ha's students as well.

"It's a work in progress, but this quarter we hope to continue our community volunteer program, wherein we let our high school students volunteer in other charitable institutions," Jaton said. "We want to instill a sense of responsibility—that just because you may not have money, it doesn't mean you can't help out." — VC, GMA News


Those interested in volunteering at A-HA! Learning Center can email their resume at ahalearningcenter@gmail.com.