In an effort to teach children the importance of volunteering and helping others, Roosevelt School’s peer leadership program, led by Ms. Jill Barbarise, has collected over 800 books for needy children in Malaysia.
It all started when Barbarise, an adjunct faculty member at Bergen Community College, received an email from the advisor of the college’s Philipino-American student organization, asking if anyone could help children in Malaysia. Barbarise said “I’ll see what I can find.”
The children donated 800 books.
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“First of all,” said Principal Alfred Orrechio, “the school is always looking to do something. This year they decided to get books for people in Malaysia and the thing is they did it so quickly. They’re very efficient. Knowing Ms. Barbarise, they probably will [volunteer again]. All the credit goes to her.”
He added, “We just don’t talk the talk. We walk the walk.”
Putting them in boxes
Last week, the children packed all of the 800 books in decorated cardboard boxes and sent them to the Philippine Consulate in New York City, who will ship the books to the children in Malaysia.
Many of the children read English as well as their native Malay. Last year, Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib gave a speech about the importance of teaching all Malaysian children the English language.
Barbarise hopes this lesson carries on into the lives of children in her peer leadership group and in the school.
“It’s always something that can not be taught in the classroom. They learn compassion and they learn that the power of their ability to help others is very important,” said Barbarise who noted that this is the second time they donated books. Previously, the class donated books to Texas children who were victims of flooding.
“My homeroom redecorated the boxes,” Barbarise said. “We got the notices out. Teachers supported it. It was great.”
Lessons learned
The youngsters themselves recognized the importance of what they were doing.
“The people who need it, I guess they don’t have the books they need right now because they have been probably been destroyed or taken,” said Jordan Garcia, 10. “I hope they read some of the Harry Potter books.”
“One of the books there is Lilly’s Crossing, and that’s a really good book. My mom was happy because I had a lot of books in the house and she liked that I wanted to help people,” said 11 year-old Erika Cardenas.
Sebastian Solano, 11, had a message for the Malaysian children: “Enjoy reading the books. It’s good to help out people that are in need.”
Melissa Rappaport may be reached at mrappaport@hudsonreporter.com