Community – Rehoboth Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
In 2008, Rehoboth extended it's services to the community and established the Rehoboth Educational Assistance Program (REAP), which offers educational assistance to local families who are unable to send their children to school or college for financial reasons. REAP scholars are given financial support to continue their studies but remain living with their families within their local communities. We are currently supporting students in all levels of education from elementary, through high school and up to college level. REAP students also have access to Rehoboth’s tutoring services and to the resource centre at the Home consisting of a library and computer room. As well as providing financial sponsorship Rehoboth monitors attendance and progress, maintains regular contact with schools and colleges, gives tutorials where possible and offers spiritual support.
Families of REAP students are expected to make financial contributions where possible, support their children, and enter into a partnership with Rehoboth. This includes voluntary help at the Home and attending meetings concerning their child’s educational welfare. Rehoboth works together with the family to show the importance of a stable, loving and Christian environment.
In addition to REAP, Rehoboth has been conducting the Family Development sessions for the Pantawid Pamiliyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries in Brgy. Sta. Maria and Cabanabaan since 2011. This is part of RCHI’s contribution to the community as a civic society organization.
REAP SCHOLAR TESTIMONIALS
"No words can explain how blessed and grateful I am to be part of the REAP scholarship programme and of course to have you as my sponsor. You are not just my sponsor but my family too. Your generous support really helped me a lot to fulfill a lifelong dream of going to college. Without people like you, many students like me would be unable to pursue the career of their dreams. A big thanks to you for always including me in your prayers and most especially for the unending support you extended to me."
"I remember the day you visited us and that day I was so glad and I told myself that I’m so lucky because there are still people like you…on behalf of my family thank you so much for being my sponsor, for being a good friend and for giving me a home like Rehoboth. When I received my diploma I could really see the happiness in my parents eyes. I know they are happy and proud of what I am now and you’re a great part of that achievement. Your kindness has motivated me in pursuing my goals in life. You will always be in my heart and mind and always my inspiration. I hope that you will continue helping and providing light for the people who are in need."
"A month before I graduated high school I told my friend that I couldn’t go to college due to lack of money. So I decided to stop my studying but my friend who is a resident at Rehoboth never let me stop and she introduced me to REAP. I applied for a scholarship and thank God I was granted one. Finally I was able to pursue my studies to degree level…now I have officially victoriously graduated from my chosen course Bachelor of Science in Psychology through the help of Rehoboth. In addition, Rehoboth was also a stepping-stone to build my confidence as a human being. Through Rehoboth’s activities they helped their scholars to learn, to socialize and to be wise. They are not just helping their scholars financially but they also helped us to fill our heart and life spiritually."
As one of the graduates of Rehoboth I would like to share some of my experiences and my greatest achievement this year 2023. It's been a while since I was living at Rehoboth and I miss everything from it - the vibes, the people, my friends, the environment and of course our house parents and staff who are working tirelessly for us just to sustain our needs in the home. Rehoboth gave me the courage and motivation to pursue my dreams in life especially in helping me to finish my study. So, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude, which has truly made a difference in my life, and I am very thankful to have this kind of family.
As part of the Agro studies program of Tarlac Agricultural University I was able to apply for an Internship in Israel for a year. It was a great opportunity for me to study in this country, learn their modern technology in farming, experience their culture and know their way of life. I was assigned in a farm called BIOBEE Farm and I was made a team leader soon after I arrived.
Working in this kind of farm has given me knowledge and has enhanced my skill when it comes to farming and I know that one day I will use these skills to build my own farm and of course to teach our farmers in my country. Every Wednesday we go to school to study about agriculture and meet new friends and have time for us to socialise with other nationalities and we went on tours. We have been to the Jordan River, Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and Mt Hermon. I enjoyed every moment of these once in a lifetime experiences.
I thought I couldn't finish what I've started here but with hard work and dedication and with God nothing is impossible! I am happy to finish my internship here in Israel and I couldn't have achieved this kind of success without the help of all the people behind this achievement especially Rehoboth. Thank you so much for all your support emotionally, financially and your prayers. I know this is not the end of my journey but this is just the beginning.
‘Working and living internationally has been one of my greatest aspirations as a valuable and enriching experience and to foster personal development, career progression, and cultural immersion. Additionally, it can help me broaden my perspective and provide me with relevant skills for what lies ahead. Who could have thought that this aspiration of mine will become reality. All credit to my Rehoboth Family as well as my Omnicom Family who gave constant and unwavering support to make everything possible despite the unexpected things that happened before getting here in Dubai.
I started my journey here in Dubai on January 22, 2023 at one of the leading media agencies across the world. They made me feel so welcome and they taught me a lot of tips that helped me to easily adapt and cope in the workplace. After working in the finance department for two months, I received a lot of compliments from the team for demonstrating a high level of professionalism, commitment, and diligence in performing my work. As a result I was given the opportunity to make the transition to another agency within Omnicom under Hearts & Science in particular working in media operations. This was another huge adjustment for me meeting and working with new faces, and in a new work environment. After four weeks spent working as an intern at the Hearts & Science Department, the management evaluated my performance and I was promoted and given a chance to be a full-time employee.
This is such an answered prayer. I know that this is just the beginning of the new chapter of my life, there’s so much more to come. These wonderful experiences I had throughout my journey here in Dubai from being an intern to being a full-time employee is proof for me that things are possible if you believe in yourself and work hard with dedication and perseverance ensuring that you love what you are doing or learning to do.’
Omnicom later told us ‘We have been incredibly impressed with Dianlo’s attitude, work ethic, passion and attention to detail. We are certain he is going to be a huge asset to our team and has already started to prove that to be the case, even with the 4 weeks he has been in this current role. This really is a testament to the work that Rehoboth does to ensure their students get the best start in life, so thank you for all that you do.