Extract from Canada World Youth Electronic Bulletin - Citizen of the World - April 2010
Elise Renaud & Manuel Novio
"When she left for Canada tears fell." That is the description Elise Renaud's host family member Nanay Naning Fuentes-Trani, gave as the Canadian departed her remote village in the Philippines in 1981. "Some shouted, 'Will you come back?'"
Most CWY participants imagine themselves returning to their host communities but it's not that often that it happens. In this case, it did: 28 years later.
Elise Renaud and Manuel Novio (Manitoba- Philippines 1981) returned to Barangay Bato, a small village by the sea on Biliran Island. They went to this place that Elise describes as "probably the most beautiful place" she ever had seen to celebrate their host parent's 50th wedding anniversary.
Elise admits she always wanted to plan a trip back, but had mixed feelings on going alone. "I would've been afraid to go back, without Manuel Novio. I would've been afraid not to be remembered. You don't know if the way you felt was as significant for the other people around you."
Irene Trani Bushnell was 11 years old when Elise arrived in the Philippines in 1981, to live with her family. They became fast friends: "Initially it was very difficult for me to understand why Elise at her age did not really know how to cook food by the fire or hand wash clothes like we did. Then I heard about the machines the Canadian households used. It was an eye opener!" Bushnell was responsible for sending out the 50th wedding anniversary invitations and, now living in Australia, tracked down Elise to invite her. To this day, Manuel has been their "Kuya Manny", their eldest brother, their model. "He is kind, good mannered, showing us good behavior" Irene said.
Now back in Montreal, Elise has not only kept in contact with the community of Biliran, renewed friendships with her counterpart as well as with many Pilipino ex-participants and their families, but has also teamed up with fellow alumni Zaida Padullo, Principal of Holy Spirit National High School in Quezon City, Philippines. Together they have started working with the Ayala Foundation to fund activities for youth with the goal of fostering empowerment and pride within their individual communities. "When I was over there, I realized that children in an unfortunate position can't go to museums to get to know the beauty of their own heritage". She believes there is an intrinsic value in building confidence and hopes that by helping others she can give back to the community, as much as the community gave to her.