Error message

  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementBase::execute($args = [], $options = []) should either be compatible with PDOStatement::execute(?array $params = null): bool, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2244 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::key() should either be compatible with Iterator::key(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::valid() should either be compatible with Iterator::valid(): bool, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).
  • Deprecated function: Return type of DatabaseStatementEmpty::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in require_once() (line 2346 of /home2/renealte/public_html/includes/database/database.inc).

Saying goodbye [2016-03-12]

We’re sitting here in Seoul, the 9-hour layover serving as an interlude to the always-difficult transition between our life in the Philippines and our life in California.  There are many things we’re looking forward to: the silence of the suburb where we live, spinach, cooler temperatures, and of course friends and family in the US.  But I am already missing our family in Cebu, spread now from Daanbantayan to Mandaue City, but most especially in our home town of Compostela.  It is ten years this month since we first arrived in Manila as new US Peace Corps Volunteers, and we both continue to be amazed and humbled by the blessings that we have received since we first set foot on Filipino soil. 

This trip turned out to be fantastic.  We were able to install the Reneal IEO system in five new schools; in the course of doing that, we have met some amazing teachers and school heads.  We are excited about how the system can benefit students and teachers in the coming years at these new schools!  The new Senior High brings additional challenges and opportunities for Reneal to broaden its impact in the coming year.

We also visited the 15 existing Reneal schools, making some updates and finding out what’s working and not working.  We were able to fix several problems, and hardware donations from Free Geek (www.freegeek.org) were particularly instrumental in dealing with hardware attrition.  Our goal is always to expand to additional schools, but we view our responsibility as an on-going partnership – not just a “fly-by” to drop equipment and leave.  One thing that was particularly gratifying this year was having many of the IT teachers report problems.  This is perhaps counter-intuitive that we would welcome problem reports, but as we always tell people: we can’t fix problems that we don’t know about.  Having IT teachers feel comfortable reporting problems means that we can try to keep the systems in good working order for the schools.

A remarkable bonus this week was viewing the partial solar eclipse with students and teachers at Compostela NHS.  While I was teased a bit about bringing my laundry basins to school, it was nice to have them to view the reflection of the sun partially obscured by the moon.  The students seemed as excited and dazzled as we were by this rare and beautiful event.

I’ve probably mentioned it before, but we’ve been able to watch the members of Team Philippines pursue wonderful new paths.  Jade is now an IT teacher at Arcelo Memorial NHS, and Raul is teaching math and science at Sapak Extension High School.  Their positive impact on the students is incalculable, and we are so proud to have them as part of our team.  Jillian is doing CAD work in Cebu, along with other entrepreneurial pursuits related to technology.  Aca is continually busy supporting the municipality of Compostela, with computer mapping and other projects.  And Rogie is in Manila, climbing the corporate ladder with Aboitiz Equity Ventures.  Ma’am Nerry, the IT teacher at Compostela NHS and our very first Team Philippines member, continues to be a trusted voice of experience and advice for Reneal.  We were so thankful this trip to also have the chance to work with Sir Calvin, the husband of a Compostela NHS teacher and a wonderful contributor in so many ways as we made a major change to the computer infrastructure there.  Neal and I surely could not have completed the ambitious project plan without the help and support of all of these dedicated people!

The Reneal Board of Directors will meet next Saturday, so Neal and I will be preparing the data from the scouting visits for their consideration.  So many exciting possibilities!  As always, we welcome donations of used computer equipment.  We can use machines back to vintage Pentium 4’s as clients, so contact Reneal if you have a potential donation (contact.reneal@gmail.com).  We would be very happy to give new life to your obsolete hardware in schools in the Philippines!  Look for a new project plan soon!