Unwrapping the Wonder: Mano Amiga Academy's "Christmas Around the World" Adventure
The spirit of Christmas came alive at Mano Amiga Academy as we embarked on a spectacular journey around the world with our annual celebration, "Christmas Around the World." This year's festivities were nothing short of magical, with over 30 volunteers and partners joining forces to transform our school into a vibrant showcase of holiday traditions from 10 different countries.
Lower School Adventures: Fun and Energy Galore
Our lower school students embarked on a delightful adventure right here in our own backyard – the Philippines! Special thanks to the energetic volunteers from The Storytelling Project – DJ, Patricia, and Belle – our young learners were immersed in captivating stories and games. Meanwhile, in Hawaii, Fatin and Phoebe led colorful dot painting activities, while Lynn and internationally renowned artist Leeroy New blended creativity with sustainability, teaching students to make leis out of recycled plastic bottle. Over in France, Riley, Lovely, Ryuji, and Gracious led soap decorating sessions, while Mano Amiga parents and PVM took charge of the various games at Netherlands.
Middle School Exploration: Art and Imagination Unleashed
Denmark was a Lego wonderland for our middle school students, thanks to the enthusiasm of Inez, Jos, and Steven from the Philippine Lego Users Group. Laughter and creativity echoed through the classrooms during the Lego building sessions. In Nepal, Norway, and Colombia, the Scholars Club facilitated arts and crafts activities – from creating Tibetan prayer flags to crafting paper lanterns for Colombia’s Día de las Velitas and Christmas card making. Each moment was a celebration of diversity and shared creativity.
Upper School Discoveries: Learning and Friendship
Our upper school students enjoyed an exhilarating carnival experience in Brazil, courtesy of the creative minds at 3M. The lively games, vibrant decorations, and delicious food created lasting memories for our students. In Japan, local artist Manny Umali guided students in crafting exquisite koi paintings and exploring various art techniques. The students were pleasantly surprised by the beauty they could create using only their fingers as instruments. Our library, transformed into a Hawaiian paradise with lively music, was hosted by Martina and Kristine. They enthusiastically guided the students in crafting friendship bracelets, embracing the spirit of aloha.
Thank you to our amazing volunteer photographers Allen Pangan and Scholars Club’s Marga, for capturing these magical moments. This incredible day wouldn't have been possible without the dedication and creativity of our volunteers and partners, parents, teachers and staff. You turned our school into a global wonderland, creating an unforgettable experience for our students. The laughter, the learning, and the shared joy were the true gifts of the day.
This year's "Christmas Around the World," not only brightened the holiday season for our students, it also fostered a sense of unity and understanding.
May the magic of this celebration resonate in our hearts throughout the holiday season and beyond. From all of us at Mano Amiga, we wish you a joyous Christmas filled with warmth, love, and the spirit of togetherness.
