A homeless 13-year-old Filipino won a very prestigious award for his commitment to improving the lives of fellow street kids. Cris “Kesz” Valdez, who lived off a trash dump and slept in an open tomb for the majority of his childhood, was awarded last year’s International Children’s Peace Prize in The Hague on September 19, 2012.
Gifts of Hope
For his seventh birthday, Kesz didn’t want any presents for himself. Instead, he wanted to give something to other street children: Gifts of Hope. That same year, Kesz started his own organization, Championing Community Children, aimed at giving street children hope and showing them that they can take their future into their own hands. Every week, he and his friends go to underprivileged communities to teach children about hygiene, food and children’s rights. He even takes things a step further, by teaching children how to teach each other. He has so far helped more than 10,000 children in his local area. Source: International Childrens Peace Prize.
Kesz was presented with the prize by Desmond Tutu. According to Desmond Tutu, Kesz is a deserving and inspiring example of “a new voice for the voiceless”.
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An amazing example for all of us.
Hi Konstantina. Thank you for your kind words. He is amazing.
What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it, Seeker. Grown-ups could learn a lot from that young man!
May God bless you for sharing the beautiful, inspiring things that bless us.
Love,
Cheryl
Hi Cheryl, Yes we can learn from him. That’s why Jesus loves the children for their purity. Blessings to you as well. Perpetua.
This is wonderful. You’ve been so kind when you stop by and comment at my site, so loving and supportive that I wanted to really take the time here to read and watch what you posted. Can’t thank you enough for this absolutely beautiful example of the resilience of the human spirit to survive, surmount and do right by others in this world that so desperately needs it. It’s an honor to reblog this one. Big cyber hug to you. Paulette
Ah… Love that hug Paulette. I can relate to this boy for I grew up in the Philippines. xox Perpetua.
Reblogged this on The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap and commented:
The resilience of the human heart to survive, surmount and do right by others is profoundly displayed in this video which moved me to tears of appreciation. Bless the beasts and the children. It is children like this beautiful boy that can change the whole world.
Hi Paullete, With your experience in life, I know you can relate to it. Thank you for reblogging. Perpetua.
Reblogged this on Sand on my feet. Sun over me. and commented:
Very heart-warming, indeed. Even when we don’t have money to give, if we have love, we can make a change for the people.
Thank you, Cris “Kesz” Valdez for inspiring us.
Hi Sasha, money is secondary but Love moves mountain. Thanks for reblogging to share the gift of love and hope.
That is so right. LOVE. 🙂 You’re always welcome.
What a heartwarming story. That little boy is an example to us all. He has really made a difference. 🙂
He is. Let’s follow him. 😀
Thank you for sharing this lovely story. The imagination of our kids is beyond believe, and their willingness to help is something we should all copy. Again thank you, Bill
Hi Bill, Thank you for reading and the least I can do for him is to spread love and hope. Perpetua
thank you for sharing the gift of love and hope.
This young teen is an expression of God. He is letting God work through him. Life is having experiences so we may know and feel God. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story about Cris. May I get out of my own way and let the mighty force of Love work through me! Pam
Hi Pam. For as long as you believe in Love, it will move you. God’s work is mighty. Thank you. Perpetua.
Reblogged this on ELANA – The Voice of the Future.
That you so much for spreading the Gift of Hope and Love.
There’s a kid after my own heart. I love selfless people. (Thanks for sharing this.) xo
Thank you for your kind words.
what am amazing blessing this story has been to me. To think of all he did with just love and caring in his heart. such a giant of greatness in his small body. Thank you so much for sharing this. God bless you also for recognizing what a tremendous story and inspiration it is. I pray he gets more support and continues on this path of peace and love. Toni
Hi Toni: My hope in spreading out Kesz’s story in the blogging world, we as a community are united in supporting and praying for him. This goes to show that there is plenty of love and hope in the world. Perpetua.
Thanks for sharing that, truly inspiring.
Thank you. Feel free to share the Gift of Hope and Love.