I, Christy Gelena, the founder of We Are One; a non profit organization which helps the kids achieve their dreams while creating happy memories together.
Looking back, I did not expect that WAO would be able to grow into this; big community. Not only for the filipino kids but to whoever want their kids to cultivate their hidden talents while having fun, making friends. Back then in 2018, when I started WE ARE ONE. It was when my son started to gained much attention from people who see him perform, I am the proudest and the happiest Mom. Being a mother, I fully know that kids need activities, friends and fun. I knew that there are a lot of kids who were talented in this community, talents that needs to hone, develop and share. A lot of kids can sing, dance, act, model, paint, play musical instrument etc., but was remain hidden.
Then, I came across thinking, why not gathered the other kids and joined my son in performing while having fun building friendship, showed ideas, talents and share the happiness with the other parents as well. I started gathering from close friends, to friends of friends…from a group of 5, it becomes 10 and 20 and now it’s growing. Unknowingly as to date we have 100+ all from ages 1-20 years old. These kids were mostly studying via online class directly from Philippines as the tuition fee is far more affordable. But with the time difference, this is quite the struggle.
I believe that every child deserves to be loved and cherished. I have one and only son, whom I adore the most, trained him to be a total performer, I’m not bragging but he is a professional dancer, he can act, and is a runway model, having said that he is an only child, as we are an expat in the UAE, I long for a bigger family, I made friends, I reached out to them for meet ups and have fun to do the same as I trained my child because my goal has become bigger, it expanded to all the kids.
I wanted them to invite more of their friend’s friends for I believe in the saying the more the merrier. Not knowing we reached to a hundred kids. This family we united aim to develop the youngsters’ talent and nurture them. With that said, I volunteered to teach all the kids if not in a week or so, a monthly meet up is a must. By the grace of God, another group of Filipino community offered to give them acting workshop for free. For this reason, the kids are being casted in different indie film productions which are gaining awards and recognitions internationally.
When you ask a new joiner kid, what does he or she wants when she grows up? Some will have a quick respond and say I want to be a Doctor, a Dancer, an Actress, a Fashion Model. We’ll be happy. Same goes with those who are yet confused, and this is where I feel proud the most, because in this community we built, we will say that even if you do not know what are you gonna be in the future, we will figure it out, together and find out what do you like to do most?
I believe in each and everyone’s ability to grow more as they explore more. That’s why WAO is here to support them all the way. Hoping I could give them a better platform to showcase their talents.
Indeed, as we grow, I am overwhelmed. I knew that these kids are like stars, having their own shine. Their talents, skills, dedication and capabilities make WE ARE ONE an amazing organization here in UAE with the support of their wonderful parents. When I organize this group, I was not thinking of just developing skills and talents of the kids, I also think of the parents, to encourage them to come out after a week of stressful and hard work in the office. Somehow, this can be their time to be with their kids, meet new parents and have socialization as well. It’s more of kids and parents’ activities that we all look forward every weekend.
We are blessed that people like you are opening doors of opportunity for the kids to learn more not only in academic, sports, and in performing arts, but are also planting seeds of hope to reach their dreams, love in their young hearts and minds to always help others in need. Together, we can go further.
In behalf of our WE ARE ONE family, we are very much grateful for this opportunity that you’re opening for us. Truly we are grateful and honored.