WHAT is a “kidspiration”? From my column back in May, it is a kid who can inspire other kids. This one word brings together two important aspects I believe in—self and society. I believe kids should have strong “cores.” They should know themselves well and work to be proud of what they accomplish. But they should also know that accomplishments have more meaning when it truly helps people around them.
I really enjoyed sharing articles that empowered children this October. I thought it would be great to end this Kids’ Month series with a kidspiration named Martin.
Martin Antonino Alindogan is a 15-year-old achiever who is passionate about many things. He likes the challenge of math. He puts in as much effort in both basketball and golf. One day, he may pursue a profession in business. Today, he shares with us his remarkable passion for civic work, talking about a nonprofit organization called Save the Kids Philippines, which he started with his friend Margarita Te.
“Save the Kids Philippines is an organization of kids who help other kids. It is about empowering, educating and uplifting kids who are disadvantaged, abused or displaced, or just kids who have gone through tough experiences in their lives. Hopefully, what we teach kids will stick with them in the long run,” Martin says. The organization’s end goal is to save at least 10,000 kids through the SAVE Program, a four-pronged rehabilitation approach involving: skills building, art therapy, values formation and educational activities. Visit www.savethekids.ph to know how one can help this worthy cause.
I believe there’s always a story behind every good act. I wanted to know how kids are able to build and act on their civic spirit at such a young age. I share Martin’s story in the hope of inspiring other parents and kids. Thanks to Martin’s parents, Noji and Trina Alindogan, for allowing Martin to share his story. Below are excerpts:
Martin, what made you start Save the Kids Philippines?
Since I was a kid, I’ve been helping out people who were affected by typhoons, such as Ondoy and Yolanda. We would pack food and donate clothes in church and in school to be sent to the devastated areas. But at some point, I felt like donating clothes and food wasn’t enough. I felt that, in order to make an impact, I needed to immerse myself with the victims who were affected. And because one of my passions is basketball, I thought it would be a good idea to use this as a way of connecting with the kids and uplifting their spirits. So I created an organization, called Rebound.ph, where I teach basketball to disadvantaged boys and girls so they don’t get attracted to the bad influences.
Was it an easy process to put up Save the Kids Philippines? How were you able to do it?
It’s a difficult process because I’ve always wanted to help out, but I was only able to do it from afar. More than that, it takes a lot of my time, which I could spend with friends and family. Choosing the location (of kids that will be the beneficiaries) is difficult, as well as coordinating with (the proper agencies). Fund-raising is even harder. But we’re able to do it.
What are the highlights of the project?
Seeing the kids happy and enjoying themselves is a real highlight for me. Talking with them and getting to know their stories, and hearing how the work is making a difference in their lives makes me feel good. They also make me feel grateful for what I have.
What is your advice to kids today?
To the kids who are disadvantaged in one way or another, don’t lose hope because there are many people who want to help. Work hard and use the skills that you learn to uplift yourselves from the trials you’re facing. As for the kids who are blessed in more ways that one, we need to share our time and resources to those who are in need of our help.
With today’s influences in the media and show business, kids today live in a “selfie” world. Martin’s acts of goodwill are refreshing in that they inspire not just kids, but adults as well. I always believe in nature and nurture. Martin is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Maximo and Bak Licauco. He is also the great grandson of Mrs. Socorro Ramos, “Nanay Coring”, the founder of National Book Store. I believe that Martin’s civic spirit was further developed because of the great examples around him.
As parents, we have a lot to learn from Noji and Trina, who are both accomplished in their respective fields. When I asked for their advice on how to raise more empathetic kids, their answer was simple: “It might be best to lead by example. This is how kids see the sincerity of a person—through one’s actions.”