I am MAD launches ‘MACbooklet’ to schoolchildren

IN ITS continuing mission to provide the younger generation with opportunities to realize their dreams and passions, nonprofit 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 espouse values which can lead them to become nation-builders.

I am M.A.D., a TAYO (Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations) Awards Foundation awardee on youth leadership, began distribution of its very own activity booklet titled 10 M.A.D. (Munting Aksyon na Dapat) Gawin ng Batang Pilipino to schoolchildren during its recent outreach activities in remote areas around the Philippines.

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 its cofounders Mark Conrad Ravanzo and Christian Marx Rivero, and written by Wino Dela Cruz, one of its active volunteers. It 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 forming part of its key advocacies 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., for 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.

With a good purpose in every journey mind-set, the I am M.A.D. operates by fielding an army of “TraVolunteers” (that is: to travel to volunteer) to run its outreach activities where one gets to travel to the country’s scenic spots while primarily allocating its time in their itinerary to perform community work as volunteers.

The volunteers facilitated values formation activities and engaged learner-participants from Grades 5 to 6 with games, team-building sorties, and workshops designed to promote Filipino values and inspire them to see themselves as future leaders.

For partnerships, e-mail I am M.A.D. at iammadph@gmail.com. Visit iammad. org.ph, facebook.com/IamMakingADifference or follow @iammad_ph.