Date: October 11,2023

Name: Matthew Andrei R. Villamorel

Section: Nelson Mandela
Reaction Paper: The Yellow Boat Of Hope

The Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation represents the transportation problem faced by
students in Layag-Layag, Zamboanga City, Philippines where Mr. Jay Jabonet, co-founder of
The Yellow Boat of Hope stated that students had to swim to school just for their education. I
was profoundly moved and encouraged by the story of the "Yellow Boat of Hope". This story left
an indelible mark on me, it evoked my emotions where I truly felt empathetic towards the
students experiencing the hardships they are going through. It made me realize how fortunate I
am to have access to quality education and the privileges I often take for granted.

When I was contemplating the video, I felt a strong connection to the people involved as
I could not believe that such a problem was ongoing. The fact that a child had to go through
such hardships just to receive education struck me. It was mentioned in the video that the
Childrens' books, bags and clothes were all soaking wet and had to hang their commodities to
dry which made me feel pitiful for them experiencing those hardships. What really gained my
attention was the way that it brought people together to make a positive change in the
community where I was impressed that 70,000 Php was donated to the Yellow Boat of Hope
Foundation within a week after Mr. Jay Jabonet posted about the situation in Zamboanga City
on facebook which was a clever idea. To add, the volunteers did not have to help, yet they
chose to show how people care for the society.

Positively, Mr. Jay Jaboneta stated there were 154 yellow boats given in 4 coastal
regions for transportation which were dedicated to children and parents. It was a beautiful thing
to see that in the video, the people were joyful when they received the yellow boat. I believe that
these boats symbolize faith for the people experiencing deprivation. The boats and the
donations were more than enough to support the foundation. On my part, this video served as a
reminder of the privilege I enjoy and the responsibility I must give back to those less fortunate.
In addition, I was even more amazed when it was mentioned that the foundation was able to
build a school from one of the 4 coastal regions and provide school supplies to the children.

The "Yellow Boat of Hope" project further highlighted the significance of education in
tearing deprivation. Education is an effective instrument that may change lives and
communities, as the video has established. I believe that the message that the video is trying to
convey which is for appreciation for the things we currently have as I am truly lucky to be given
quality education and with that, I am also motivated to give back to the community as one small
act of kindness could change the world.Furthermore, the foundation succeeded in
accomplishing their goal as they were able to provide not just transportation but also a new
hope.

In conclusion, “The Yellow Boat of Hope” video clip was sufficiently good considering that the
video was published in the year 2014. Though, it would have been preferred if the founder
himself were to narrate the story on how and why he started the foundation. But overall, the
video was entertaining and it made me more aware of my surroundings. Also, the video serves
as a powerful reminder that when motivated by compassion and a common goal, even small
actions can have a big impact. It has inspired me to be more proactive in seeking opportunities
to make a positive difference in the lives of others, as well as to be grateful for the advantages I
have.