Recognised at Lourdes Elementary School
When a school says thank you in writing — the day Lourdes Elementary honoured Nizi Bhandari and the Iva and Shiv Foundation.
The story
"Compassion still thrives"
In Catigan, Toril, Davao City, Lourdes Elementary School welcomed the Iva and Shiv Foundation as the chosen recipient of a school-supply giving. And then the children's teachers did something that brought Nizi to a quiet standstill. They didn't just say thank you — they put it in writing, with a Certificate of Recognition, presented by hand.
For a man who gives without ever asking for anything back, being thanked like that — formally, sincerely, by a school that has so little — landed somewhere deep. He didn't do it for the certificate. But to know the gesture had truly been felt by the people it was meant for… that's the kind of thank-you you carry forever.
In the school's own words, the supplies were "more than just materials — they are tools of hope, encouragement and inspiration for every child striving to learn despite life's challenges." And then a closing line that says everything:
"You have reminded us that compassion still thrives, and that together, we can make a difference."
In their words
"With grateful hearts, Lourdes Elementary School says thank you to the Iva and Shiv Foundation for choosing us as the blessed recipient of your school-supply giving."— Lourdes Elementary School, Catigan, Toril, Davao City