The Centenary Prize 2008

Imperial BlueCube of Imperial College London, a major partner of BALUD received a special award from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 to provide finance for UK students to travel to underprivileged schools in developing regions, and help with teaching, and development as part of the celebrations of the Centenary of Imperial College London. Five students of Imperial were chosen from one hundred and fifty applicants to have a chance to visit the Philippines and teach science to the pupils of Balud Elementary School. Imperial BlueCube is a venture philanthropic trust founded by Steven Chambers, a maths major from Imperial.

Winners

• Adam Aziz (UK/Libya, Civil Engineering)
• Ambarish Dash (India, Maths)
• Neha Obhrai (UK, Aeronautical Engineering)
• Kristina Östman (Sweden, Physics)
• Emma Thompson (UK/USA, MSc Physics)

Teaching Science

The winners taught Balud students various topics in an atmosphere of fun and learning. Topics ranged from learning numbers and calculations to lessons in chemistry, physics, earth science, astronomy and biology. They brought science apparatus, gadgets and materials which were eventually donated to the school. The lessons were rigorously prepared beforehand and reviewed for appropriateness to the learning level and comprehension of the students. The classes were highly interactive and the children did lots of hands on learning. To the delight of the students, some lessons were approached through the medium of 'magic', e.g., a soda cans standing on its edge, and a pinched but un-burst balloon. They enjoyed launching bottle rockets which flew very high as they learned physics. The teachers made use of the beach to teach wind, density and energy. The kids learned astronomy by acting as planets of the solar system and learned chemistry by acting as molecules. Films shown on laptops aided in teaching many other subjects.

The kids were always in awe listening to the lessons of their teachers. They even requested that the Imperial teachers should stay for a longer time to teach them since they found many of their lessons very interesting, informative and fun. The local Department of Education invited teachers from the other schools to observe all the science demonstrations. Everyone learned from the activities. At the end of all the lessons, some children cried and felt sad when they learned that their Imperial teachers had to go back to the UK. The Imperial teachers were not only great mentors but also role models to these young students. As one local parent said—the Imperial College London students did not only bring the gift of knowledge, but also the gift of life, love and inspiration to these poor children.

Philippine Activities

The team from Imperial College London attended many other activities during their stay in the Philippines. They were received at the residence of the British Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Majesty's Ambassador Peter Beckingham in Makati City where the signing of documents to officially assist the elementary school was also held. The Ambassador was inspired and of great praise of the initiatives of these students. The team attended a roundtable discussion with the De La Salle University students to brainstorm on how to collaborate on the future activities of BALUD. They were speakers at the Conference on New Dimensions of Youth Leadership at Leyte Normal University in Tacloban City. The team was led by Steve Chambers, Lisa Carter of the University College London, Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III of Cardiff University, Jayson Reggie Obos and Bryan Asis of De La Salle University. The team had the chance to explore the beaches, caves and forests of the islands and the restaurants and night life of the capital, Manila.

Imperial College London

Imperial College London which recently celebrated its centenary in 2007 is one renowned university which has consistently proven its relevance in the modern world by reaching out to the poorest of the poor through its science. Its research and projects have benefited those who need them most specially in the areas of health, medicine, engineering and technology. It is no surprise that even their undergraduate students are already at the helm in the actions against global problems. Sir Roy Anderson, a prominent researcher in infectious disease epidemiology, the current Rector of The College and their previous Rectors have always emphasized the role of the academe in tackling global ills.

Imperial BlueCube Founder

Steven Chambers, the brain behind this project, epitomizes what an Imperial student should be—exceptional in the academe with a deep knowledge of global problems. He has been translating this knowledge into actions by bringing Imperial's science to Samar for the past three years. He has been going to the island and has been teaching in the school every year. He co-founded BALUD together with Dr Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno III of Cardiff University which has the aim of contributing to the breaking of the cycle of poverty hinged on the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.