Grade 1 Bigay Puso monggo repacking activity plants seeds of hope

From 8 to 26 November, Ateneo de Manila Grade 1 students took turns repacking monggo seeds to be included in vegetable packs to be given to their Bigay Puso partner students and families from Raymundo Punongbayan Elementary School. The students were assisted by the Social Involvement office, Grade 1 teachers and parent volunteers from each section.

The monggo seed repacking activity helped Grade 1 students recognize how fortunate they are to have daily comforts such as food, security, and support. It opened their eyes to the needs of others, especially those who may not have enough. The activity taught them that generosity is not measured by age or size- that even young children can make a meaningful difference. Through this simple but meaningful activity, the children learned that helping others doesn’t require grand or extravagant gestures.

Repacking monggo seeds showed them that acts of love can be quiet, simple, and humble, yet deeply impactful. It encouraged a spirit of kindness, empathy, and community, helping them understand the value of giving without expecting anything in return. The experience planted early seeds of social responsibility, showing them that small acts done with love can make a big difference. The activity also fostered ownership over the task of repacking monggo seeds as parent volunteers only supported their children from the sidelines. 

This illustrates how intentional activities are designed in the AGS, and how every small act genuinely connects the kids to their partner organizations. Even if packing monggo beans seems like a simple task, the school made it clear that the gesture carries real meaning. Before the activity began, teachers from the Social Involvement Office (SIO) explained that the monggo seeds would be included in the vegetable packs to be distributed, helping the kids concretize the meaning of “Bigay Puso” and see the bigger picture and the impact of their effort. It was an intentional moment of learning, and the kids walked away realizing that even in small ways, they can make a difference. Even if the monggo seeds were intended for the students of Raymundo Punongbayan Elementary School, it planted seeds of hope and charity in the hearts of our Grade 1 students.