One World School – a non-stock, non-profit educational institution built on the commitment to provide equal access to learning opportunities for children of all abilities – recently held a successful two-day fundraising event last May 22 and 23.
The school’s students were front and center, as the walls of One World School’s Malca Media Center came alive with the sound of laughter and applause, with the kids’ stage performances.
The two-day fundraising event was organized, aimed to aid the school’s expansion project and programs.
“Next year, we’re going to have up to Grade 6 for the elementary school, and when the expansion is done, we’ll have up to Grade 12,” said One World School Founder and Headmaster Ericson Perez, adding that the expansion also includes the construction of a multipurpose hall, an outdoor playground, and more parking spaces.



Since fundraising efforts began in March, the school has already raised PhP1.3 million, with PhP12 million targeted for the endeavor.
“If we go back and look at what the school has done in the past, we can do it,” Perez said. “When I was fundraising way back 2012, I would go to meetings with just my ideas. We didn’t have school and teachers yet. I was asking the people to believe not only the ideas but also in me. Now four years later, I can describe the school in one word and that’s hope. We’re looking for long term for our kids and for many kids out there who don’t know about our school yet.”
A culture of change
One World School opened its first day of classes on August 2013, fully funded through school fees and individual and corporate donations and sponsorships, and envisioned to provide learning for children of all abilities. Apart from placing emphasis on individual abilities rather than limitations, One World School also places great importance on the acceptance of children with a wide spectrum of learning profiles, including those who are gifted and talented, typical learners, children with mild, moderate and significant special education needs, and those that just learn differently.
“We provide appropriate and high standards of education for children of all abilities in a truly nurturing and loving environment,” Perez says. One child, and one family at a time, we are changing the culture of learning from one another and with one another.”


One World School currently has 65 students, from a dozen countries, including children of foreign diplomats and expat executives from multinational companies.
The school offers programs from Preschool to Elementary, where a specialized curriculum is given to each student. The specialized curriculums are designed to allow children to learn at their own pace while still growing with peers and friends who accepts them as they are.
“What sets us apart from other school is that we welcome all kinds of kids here. We refer to all of our students as children of all abilities to emphasize the value we place on their individual strengths and limitless potential. Our mission here is to bring out the best in those kids,” says Perez.

One World School is located at 444 A Epifanio De Los Santos Ave., Brgy. Guadalupe Viejo, Makati. For more information, visit www.oneworldschool.edu.ph
 
By VIA BAROMA