National Book Store Foundation Tapped Black Pencil Project for 2010 Project Aral

Makati City – National Book Store Foundation Inc., the corporate social arm of book and supply giant National Book Store, tapped Black Pencil Project for the delivery of over 9,800 study kits to remote and indigenous communities nationwide under the Project Aral program for 2010. Cascaded by Black Pencil Project in the form of organized treks under its back-to-school program, these study kits (writing notebook, pencils and erasers) are delivered by foot by the organization’s volunteer sherpas.

Hard to reach areas comprised most of the program beneficiary communities and through sheer network of volunteers from various outdoor and civic organization (volunteer sherpas) who participates the treks; make the vital task is easily accomplished in time for June opening of classes.

“Even if we gave you close to 10,000 project aral kits, our stocks are still overflowing! Parang hindi nababawasan. We’re scounting for more schools!” said Bea Torres, National Book Store Foundation program officer.

Formed in 2008, Black Pencil Project; a photography-based organization is committed in providing pupils of elementary school of far flung communities with basic study materials to boost their confidence and morale to go to school despite of kilometers distance from their homes.

The program started in 2009 with National Book Store Foundation, Inc., launched the Project Aral and was followed during the Typhoon Ketsana with special release of Project Aral 2 study kits, for adversely affected schools by the calamity. Black Pencil Project vowed to continue the partnership as both organization is driven by the mutual desire to promote literacy and primary education among Filipino children.

“As early as December of last year to late May of 2010, Black Pencil Project have been going around the provinces, visiting communities and making assessment for the back-to-school program. It is also during this months we also look for local partners to help us bring when the program starts and the support we’re getting are overwhelming” - Black Pencil Project program director Mon Corpuz revealed.

Project Aral doesn’t only benefited pupils of communities but affirmed teachers of public elementary schools to continue their noble vocation in teaching.

“While there’s uncertainty of the continuity of our programs due to the limitations of our organization, this opportunity to work again with National Book Store Foundation through Project Aral is a welcomed endeavor as we get the chance to become of service and example to others, much less, see the smiles and hear the most profound “thank you’s” once again”. Corpuz added.