BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT
On December 16, 2021, Super Typhoon Odette wreaked havoc across many parts of the Philippines, with the Caraga region among the hardest hit. The Caraga Regional Science High School (CRSHS), located in Surigao, was severely affected, experiencing extensive damage. One of the most significant casualties was the school library, a critical resource center for students and educators. The library’s shelves, books, and other educational resources were destroyed by the storm’s high winds and flooding, leaving the school community without essential learning materials.
This catastrophic event disrupted the normal academic environment of CRSHS. The library, which had long been a hub of knowledge and research for students, ceased to function, and for three years, students lacked the necessary resources for their studies. With books lost and the library space inoperable, the school faced an uphill struggle in providing a complete and holistic education to its learners.
The prolonged closure of the library underscored the need for swift intervention to help restore it to its original function. The damage caused by the typhoon highlighted two immediate and pressing needs: first, the urgent requirement for books, learning materials, and educational resources to help rebuild the academic environment, and second, the need for assistance in rehabilitating the physical infrastructure of the library. The situation was dire and required an organized response from local organizations, government agencies, and community groups.
IDENTIFIED NEEDS
In response to the devastating impact of the typhoon, a few key needs were identified:
A. Restoration of the School Library:
Beyond the book loss, the physical space where the library operated needed repairs and upgrades. Windows and doors were damaged, furniture was destroyed, and shelves that once housed the books were rendered unusable. The restoration of the library building became a top priority.
B. Provision of Educational Materials:
The most immediate need was for books. The library’s collection, which included textbooks, reference books, and materials essential for student research and learning, was completely wiped out. Students were left with limited resources to support their studies, and this gap in learning materials significantly hindered their educational progress. The donation of a wide variety of resource books was seen as an essential step toward returning the library to its critical function.
C. Continued Support for Education:
The impact of Typhoon Odette did not just affect the physical library but also the students’ access to the resources needed to complete their studies. Without access to updated educational materials, the students at CRSHS faced challenges in keeping up with their curriculum. Teachers, too, lacked proper reference books to aid in lesson planning and instruction. Hence, the project aimed not only at restocking the library but also at improving the quality of education for both students and faculty.
THE PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE
Recognizing the magnitude of the challenge, the Rotary Club of Central Surigao, under the leadership of its president, Ramon Gotinga, immediately began brainstorming ways to address the critical need for educational resources at CRSHS. The Rotary Club of Central Surigao has always been known for its commitment to community service, especially in times of crisis. In this case, the club took the initiative to partner with the Rotary Club of Central Cebu, which was headed by District Governor Caroline Andrade. The goal was to create a strong partnership that would pool resources and mobilize the necessary support for the school.
The idea of sending a resource book donation to the school emerged, and the two Rotary clubs began their collaboration. Their combined efforts were aimed at collecting, shipping, and distributing educational materials to replace the books lost in the typhoon. Both clubs recognized that the revitalization of the library was a long-term project that required not only the restoration of books but also ongoing collaboration to ensure the sustainability of the project and continued educational support for the students.
Under the guidance of District Governor Caroline Andrade, the Rotary Club of Central Cebu leveraged its networks and resources to source and donate a variety of books. This included textbooks, reference books, and other resource materials from various donors. These books were carefully chosen to cover a broad range of subjects, from science and mathematics to social studies and language arts, ensuring that the students would have a comprehensive selection to support their learning needs.
PERSONS INVOLVED
Several individuals played key roles in the success of this project:
A. Ramon Gotinga (President, Rotary Club of Central Surigao):
As the driving force behind the project, President Ramon Gotinga of the Rotary Club of Central Surigao was instrumental in initiating the partnership with Rotary Club of Central Cebu. His leadership and commitment to supporting the recovery of CRSHS were crucial in mobilizing the resources necessary for the donation of educational materials.
B. Caroline Andrade (District Governor, Rotary Club of Central Cebu):
District Governor Caroline Andrade of Rotary Club of Central Cebu was an essential partner in facilitating the donation of books and educational materials to CRSHS. Her leadership and active involvement ensured that the donation drive was successful and that the books received by the school were appropriate and useful.
C. Rotary Club Members (Central Surigao and Central Cebu):
The members of both Rotary clubs worked together to organize the donation effort. This involved reaching out to donors, collecting books, and arranging for their transportation and delivery. The members were also responsible for communicating with CRSHS and ensuring that the materials were delivered safely to the school.
D. School Officials of Caraga Regional Science High School:
The school officials, including the principal and faculty members, played a crucial role in coordinating with the Rotary clubs and receiving the donated materials. Their involvement ensured that the donated books would be properly cataloged, stored, and distributed to students effectively.
RECIPIENT OF THE PROJECT
The direct beneficiary of this initiative was Caraga Regional Science High School. Located in Surigao, CRSHS is known for its focus on science and technology education and has consistently produced outstanding students in various academic fields. The school’s mission is to provide quality education to students in the region, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds. The donated books and the revitalization of the school library will significantly improve the academic resources available to these students.
With the restoration of the library and the influx of new books, the students will have access to essential resources to support their studies and foster their academic growth. Additionally, the teachers at CRSHS will benefit from access to up-to-date educational materials, which will enhance their ability to deliver high-quality lessons.
DURATION OF THE PROJECT
The project began shortly after Typhoon Odette caused widespread devastation in December 2021. The Rotary Clubs of Central Surigao and Central Cebu quickly recognized the need for action. However, due to the challenges associated with sourcing, collecting, and shipping the donated books, as well as coordinating the repairs to the library building, the project took nearly three years to complete.
The turnover ceremony, where the resource books were officially handed over to the school, took place on August 13, 2024. This marked the culmination of a three-year effort to restore the CRSHS library and provide students and faculty with the resources needed to continue their education effectively.
CONCLUSION
The restoration of the Caraga Regional Science High School library is a shining example of the power of collaboration and community support. Through the efforts of the Rotary Club of Central Surigao, the Rotary Club of Central Cebu, and the dedicated individuals involved, the project succeeded in addressing the immediate need for educational materials and library resources at the school.
This initiative has had a significant and lasting impact on the students and faculty of CRSHS, providing them with the tools they need to succeed academically. Moreover, it serves as a model of how organizations can come together to address the educational challenges that arise in the wake of natural disasters, ensuring that recovery is not only about rebuilding infrastructure but also about restoring the vital resources that support the learning process.
The restoration of the CRSHS library marks the beginning of a new chapter for the school and its students, one where education continues to thrive despite the setbacks caused by calamities.
