Written by: Ate Chynna Salazar, Core Member
Ate Nicole’s Baking Workshop with ECPAT
Mother Teresa once said, “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” This was truly evident last Saturday, when ate Nicole celebrated her birthday by giving a baking workshop with the children at ECPAT. It was a different kind of party, with the help of Ate Nicole’s mother, Mommy Luz, and her high school friends. ECPAT, or the End Child Prostitution and Trafficking, is a global network of civil society organization that works to end the sexual exploitation of children. ECPAT Philippines currently houses girl survivors of these cases.
The afternoon started off with introductions from the ates and grouping them with the kids from ECPAT and the kids from other communities around that ECPAT Philippines also helps. The ates and the children got to know each other and created their group names. The activities started off with games like Sing Off with a Twist and Longest Line. Everyone was very competitive and were all enthusiastic about playing.
After the games, everyone settled down to get ready for the baking workshop. Everyone was invited to come into the kitchen and each group went to their stations. Ate Nicole, with the help of ate Beth from U! Happy, guided everyone with making the graham balls. A lot of the children did not know what graham balls were and haven’t made one so interest were evident in their eyes and the way they watched as the ates did the mixing. After the ates have mixed the ingredients together, it was finally time to form the batter into balls. The children were taught how to form the balls, with their hands while wearing plastic gloves, and it was up to them to design it whichever way they want, with sprinkles and marshmallows. After everyone has made their own graham balls, they put it into the fridge to eat later.
After the graham ball making, everyone gathered back to the activity area to bond over merienda and music. As everyone finished up their merienda, the girls from ECPAT showcased their dancing talent. After all these, a cake was brought out for ate Nicole to blow out as everyone sang her ‘happy birthday’ and ice cream was given out as a hot afternoon treat. As the event ended, the children bid goodbye to their ates and gave them hugs and thank yous for the wonderful time they had.
Nothing is greater than sharing happiness and love to others, just how ate Nicole did with the children of ECPAT. Partner with us today to help spread love and joy!
