“I have found a certain connection with children, which I eventually realized and pursued,” revealed Danielle Macaranas, a volunteer for the Futbol Funatics (FF) Day Care Club, an organization that offers children aged 3 to 18 a learning program coupled with quality child care service.
When asked what made her start volunteering for the program, Danielle mentioned that she and her godmother, who founded the company with her husband, shared the same passion for children and football. The day care began when her godmother realized the struggle of parents with younger children, so she decided to set up a day care that provides, “a safe yet stimulating environment where parents can have peace of mind knowing their child is comfortable and cared for.”
A Day in a Life
According to Danielle, the first session she facilitated was when she was 18. Eventually, she became a football coach for the younger kids in the camp. Apart from assisting during potty breaks, snack time and nap period, Danielle, along with the other volunteers, help the children meet all domains of development and learning through play. Indeed, the FF Day Care Club practices learning that goes beyond the four walls of the classroom.
Aside from football, the space also provides a number of activities in different realms. For sports, the children are provided with a number of coordination and balance activities to enable them to enhance their motor skills. Music is also incorporated as volunteers encourage the children to join them as they sing various songs, play multiple instruments, and dance along to the music. For arts, children are given materials, so they can freely express themselves and tap into their creative sides.
New Situations
Although Danielle had an incredible experience working for the FF Day Care Club, she admitted that she had a more difficult time adjusting compared to the others. The first challenge she faced was the commute to work, for the space is in Makati. On account of the sessions scheduled from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Danielle’s call time and dismissal time hits rush hour, making it tiresome during school weeks.
The second challenge she faced was gaining the trust of the children, especially of the newcomers. Although she worked with children at that time, she said, “It takes time for kids to trust adults, so having them to trust me to put them to sleep, feed them, or teach them took some time.”
Central Lessons
Through volunteering, Danielle has learned that kids see things differently and in a simpler manner. She claimed, “These kids understand difficult concepts like love, and hate and teach it in the most unorthodox ways.” In addition, she also realized children’s relationship with their parents and its ability to change their worldview.
Danielle explained that the best feeling is seeing their excited reactions as she enters the learning room. Even if she only facilitates twice a week, having the kids excitedly scream, “Miss Dani, you’re back,” never fails to leave a memorable place in her heart.
Danielle’s Purpose
This term, Danielle does not have a schedule in the space, but she certainly plans on returning when she has the time. She mentioned, “I stay with the space because even though the travel is exhausting, I enjoy spending the day playing, singing and learning from the kids. The day care has opened my eyes to new cultures as well, we have children from China, Japan, India, France and more.”
When asked to give a message to the readers, Danielle said, “Most children may not be eloquent, but nobody should belittle what these little kids can think or do. They are more observant and understanding of things.”
Danielle explained that reframing the way people speak, treat and view children is essential to the the service of others. By devoting time for these children, she has offered the greatest gift she could give – kindness and caring – and there is nothing more fulfilling than that.
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For inquiries, please contact the Futbol Funatics (FF) Day Care Club through their Facebook account @ffdaycareclub or through their website http://www.futbolfunatics.com/ff-day-care-club.
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