Munting Mangguguhit

CELINE CHOA

It is a challenge for every parent to raise their children well. More than providing for their daily needs and good education, one of the more difficult tasks is to form them into kind, compassionate individuals who will eventually change the world for the better.

I have no children of my own, but I am most fortunate to witness a little movement that continues to grow through the works of young people.

Munting Mangguguhit started as a dream and a casual conversation back in 2020. It all began with my dad, Banlee Choa’s idea that children may help other children who are in need; and that through the collaboration and efforts of young people, they may be able to raise funds for causes like Gawad Kalinga’s Kusina ng Kalinga. He requested Joy de Joya, Aidee Tejano, and me to gather a small group of young people and guide them to create a project made by kids for kids.

In the most perfect of timings, my nephews, niece, and I had a random talk about how they may spend their time and effort on things other than their school work, hobbies, and savings for their Christmas gifts. Together with other talented, compassionate children, they answered the call…and Munting Mangguguhit (Little Artists) was born.

The First Christmas Project

How can we coach young people aged three to seventeen to work on a common cause? What may they do to help raise funds for Gawad Kalinga’s project? How do we collaborate even during the pandemic? These questions need to be answered at our first online brainstorming session with our group of volunteers.

Surprisingly, things moved pretty quickly. The group agreed their drawings were the best way to make themselves heard were through their drawings. Through their young hands, they will paint pictures of how they see the world and reach out to people. From creating the logo to write-ups and their digital page, we had volunteers actively working to spread the word about their project. We also had children of every age in Cavite, Metro Manila, and Iloilo who submitted their masterpieces with the firm determination that they could help their fellow children in need.

It was a small project. Each child accomplished it with so much heart. We were also grateful for supportive parents and grandparents who were one with the cause and helped their little ones to draw and sell the items. In the end, we were able to sell enough notebooks and cards to give a substantial amount to Gawad Kalinga.

SAMPLES OF MUNTING MANGGUGUHIT ECO BAGS

A Child’s Initiative

After our first project, I thought the children would already be busy with their studies and forget all about Munting Mangguguhit. However, I received a message from my niece, Noelle Madarang, asking if she and her siblings may have their own Christmas fundraising project. My reply was simple…it was made for children to have an avenue to help others, and I am more than happy that they continue it.

I was surprised by the outcome!

From notebooks and cards, Noelle and her siblings were enterprising enough to draw new designs and sell unique and colorful eco bags. It was such a hit during Christmas that Munting Mangguguhit had another run this 2023. This time around, Noelle introduced the movement to her schoolmates in Everest. In a matter of months, they were able to donate to both Gawad Kalinga and Caritas Manila, Tarlac.

It is natural for children to embrace work and to help other people. Looking back, Munting Mangguguhit had three successful runs because the parents taught their young ones how to love and care for others outside their family circles. It is through the parents’ continuous support and guidance that children would be enabled to hone these natural gifts and create a difference in the world.

Imagine if little hands may achieve great things…what more if our hands just reach out and try?