Staff Spotlight: Ate Charity

In celebration of our 19th anniversary, we are highlighting our beloved staff, Ate Charity. Learn about Ate Charity’s special connection to Galing Bata for the last 18 years, initially as a volunteer, staff, and now as the Filipino Biliteracy Support Teacher.

Ate Charity (siya/she)

Filipino Biliteracy Support Teacher

ate.charity@galingbata.org

How long have you been part of FEC GB?

18 years, since 2003

Paano kayo nagsimula sa FEC GB / how did you start?

Nag-volunteer ako at sabi ng Tita Puput na alagaan ko daw ang legacy ng Filipino Education Center, which has been in existence since the 1970s. Back then, I was not happy working in corporate as a designer. So I worked at a SOMCAN (South of Market Community Action Network) in fundraising. I got connected with Ate Lisa who was then teaching at Galing Bata, who asked me to help with their Scrapbook project.

One afternoon, I volunteered at GB and was left with 24 students by myself while Tita Flor and Ate Lisa were looking for other students. Tita Tina noticed how I handled the situation and said to me, “I see a teacher in you.” I said, “Wait—maybe I have more patience for kids than adults!”

While I teach 3rd Grade Filipino FLES (Foreign Language in Elementary School) Educator at Bessie/FEC PreK-8, I remain passionate to support GB as the program’s Filipino Biliteracy Support Teacher.

What is one memorable experience you have at FEC Galing Bata?

I remember when a student ran off and hid between the bungalows. He was five years old and said his mom said he was dumb. I said his name is golden and that he has a beautiful heart and should try Ate Lisa's class. Tita Flor smiled and asked if I wanted a job here. Another one was when we won the Grand Prize at the Parol Festival.

How has being part of FEC GB touched your life? Who and why do you do this work for?

Because of FEC Galing Bata, I became a Filipina American Bilingual Educator. Yes, I was born in America, but I remember the importance of language and culture. It’s important to pass on the legacy and historical significance of a program like FEC Galing Bata. We will find our future educators within our program.

What is one wish you have for FEC GB Program?

I wish for us to have funding and sustainability for our program. I wish for our community to know and understand that we are an extension of our Filipino FLES (Foreign Language in Elementary School) program, and that FEC and FEC Galing Bata are an integral part of our Filipinx American History.