As the Philippine Embassy continues to reach out and be one with the Filipino community especially in marking significant milestones, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez together with Philippine Honorary Consul General Paulo Garcia attended the thanksgiving and dedication ceremony of the Kids At School Care (KAsC) facility at ACG Sunderland School in Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand on 6 March 2015. Ms. Nanette Carillo, CEO of the New Zealand-Philippines Street Children and Orphans Trust (SCOT) and a leading member of the Filipino community operates the Kids At School Care together with her business partners. With her extensive experience, background and training in teaching and providing educational opportunities for the development of children, Ms. Carillo is at the forefront of providing an organised programme and child based activities for before school care, after school care and school holiday programmes. KaSC also aims to provide care for children in a safe and stimulating environment with fun-filled programmes that meet the developmental, emotional, intellectual and physical individual needs. KaSC was officially turned over to the management of SCOT on 27 February, 2015.

In her remarks, Ambassador Benavidez congratulated Ms. Carillo and her team for this laudable venture and their exemplary efforts that enrich the children’s learning experiences and demonstrates the commitment and dedication of the Filipino partners and New Zealand staff to make a positive difference in the student’s educational journey. Honorary Consul General Garcia and ACG Sunderland Principal Mr. Nathan Villars also spoke and reiterated the importance of KaSC in providing After and Holiday School care for the children enrolled in ACG Sunderland.

ACG Sunderland Deputy Principal Lawrence Stephens, Pastor Alfredo Lim who led the prayers and worship time, Ms. Aileen Gamiao, Mr. Pye Gamiao, Mr. Mike de Boer and KaSC staff, Stephanie and Natalia were also present on this special occasion. All of the guests were impressed with the KaSC’s quality of teaching and learning programmes, teaching aids, teachers, students and staff. This is another concrete example of the vital roles and contributions of Filipinos in the educational sector in New Zealand.