Kole Peralta

Project Luminaire has changed the way I see life. I volunteered with the purpose of giving back to my home country, driven by the belief that everyone deserves access to necessities and quality education. After the 2-week trip, however, I learned far more from the community than I had ever expected.

Upon reaching Zambales, we were immediately greeted with smiles and laughter. Although shy at first, the kids slowly opened up and started playing with us, as if we were their own siblings. This almost immediate bond allowed us to impart the knowledge and wisdom we had planned much more effectively. Through work and play, we saw their heart to learn, adapt, and survive in any situation they were put into. It was heartwarming to see them grow in such a short period of time. This speaks to the careful and meticulous planning that Project Luminaire prides itself on.

The most impactful experience I had was talking to the locals about their situation; how much they struggled on a day-to-day basis; how much they appreciated the lights that had been given to them; and how deeply it impacted their lives. It was eye-opening to hear stories, situations and struggles I couldn’t even begin to imagine. It truly made me grateful for my own situation, and I am glad I was able to contribute to their lives in any way I could.

My biggest takeaway from Project Luminaire is to give. I realised how blessed I am to be living in Singapore, and that my struggles seem tiny compared to the struggles they face. Not only should I find more happiness in the things I have, but I should also appreciate the life they live, to be human to them and for them. I made sure every moment spent with the locals there was with intent and care, because one light, one smile, and one teaching moment can make a mountain of a difference.