“Ang Magic Alkansya Ni Carding,” brought to life in a storytelling event
A makeshift stage out of tables and some pieces of cut-out paper brought a 16-page story to life. Laughter resounded the tent as a snorting of a pig broke the silence.
On April 5, 2019, young boys and girls witnessed firsthand the mischievous story of a boy and his journey of saving through a storytelling activity. CARD MRI, through CARD MRI Publishing House Inc., brought the story of Carding and his magic piggy bank (“Ang Magic Alkansiya Ni Carding”) to the recently held Kaunlaran Caravan in Baler, Aurora province.
The caravan, through each 21 member institution of CARD MRI, aims to bring development-oriented programs, such as health services and financial literacy, to rural communities. For Publishing House, it was an avenue to promote reading among children. It is one creative way to engage them in financial issues even at a young age. Among these is saving.
The morning of April 5th was no ordinary. Despite wet grounds from the just ended rain and the humidity of the air, the children were no less excited to watch how Carding’s story will unfold. While sitting on the front row, they moved their heads with delight as they follow the rising and changing of characters.
Their mothers seemed to enjoy the spectacle as well. One was pointing her finger at the sight before her, as if directing her son to avert his gaze toward the smiling image of the pig in front him. Most of the Nanays (mothers) were laughing as they watched Carding give in to temptations around him over and over again.
Yet amid all the joyful spectacle, there lies a lesson for both the young and the young at heart. That is the importance of saving. And as one of the characters of the story said, “start saving so that when the time comes, you’ll have something in hand.”
The story ends; the curtain closes. And so is the event. A kit consisting of a story book and crayons was given to the participating children. Snacks were distributed as well. Above all, it is their new learning on the importance of saving that the participants will bring.
The storytelling will be a mainstay activity in the next caravans of CARD MRI.
“Ang Magic Alkansya Ni Carding” was conceived from the advocacy of CARD MRI’s institutions to provide financial inclusion even to children. As a matter of fact, CARD MRI banking institutions namely CARD Bank, CARD MRI Rizal Bank, and CARD SME Bank offer savings account for kids. With only PhP100 as initial deposit, children can start their own savings account.
The “Ang Magic Alkansya Ni Carding” story book is also available in all Mga Likha Ni Inay outlets in San Pablo City, Laguna at only PhP70. For bulk orders, you may directly contact CARD MRI Publishing House through its Facebook account, @CARDMRIPublishingHouse.