Belinda M. Ante (second row, second from left) welcomes the students and Pastor Jamin Rodero (second row, first from left) from Learning Sanctuary, homeschool program based in Vientiane, to the Philippine Embassy on 18 February 2019. The students visited the Embassy’s Sentro Rizal to read the books at the library.
The Sentro Rizal of the Philippine Embassy in Vientiane, Laos welcomed students from the Learning Sanctuary on 18 February 2020 to take advantage of the wide array of literature available in its library and promote reading among young people. Learning Sanctuary is a homeschool program in Vientiane headed by Pastor Jamin Rodero, which actively promotes independent learning and Philippine studies, culture, and values.
Philippine Ambassador to Laos Belinda M. Ante welcomed Pastor Rodero and students from Learning Sanctuary, whose grade levels ranged from Kindergarten I to Grade 7, as well as Bible Baptist Church at the Embassy. She expressed her appreciation to Pastor Rodero for engaging the Embassy, especially with the Sentro Rizal having a wide array of literature that the students could learn from. On his part, Pastor Rodero thanked the Embassy for accommodating the students, and said that he looked forward to further cooperation with the Embassy.
At the Sentro Rizal, the students were given an hour to read books they are interested in, as well as look at other information materials provided in the library. Near the end of the session, the Embassy’s Cultural Officer Ms. Cristina M. Llacuna read“Ayoko Po Sana (I’m Sorry, But)” by Professor Early Sol A. Gadong to the students to remind them of their right to express themselves, and adults’ roles in protecting children from harm.
The students settle down during the reading session at the Sentro Rizal Library.
The Embassy’s Cultural Officer Ms. Cristina M. Llacuna read “Ayoko Po Sana (I’m Sorry, But)” by Professor Early Sol A. Gadong, which was launched on 19 November 2019 as part of the commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the Convention of the Rights of the Child.
Learning Sanctuary is accredited by the Department of Education (DepEd) and has partnered with the Bible Baptist Academy in Cavite (main campus) and its extension school in Zamboanga for the processing of the students’ records in the Philippines. The program currently has nine (9) students who are taught Filipino, English, Math, Science, Arts, Physical Education, and Values, among others, by five (5) teachers from Mondays to Saturdays. End
