Showing posts with label Featured Groups. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Featured Groups. Show all posts
Smokey Tours: Seeing the Other Side of Manila
11:32:00 PM
Slum tourism has been around since the nineteenth century. At present, the special tour is offered in countries such as South Africa, India, and Brazil, to name a few.
In the Philippines, there is “Smokey Tours,” which is a project of World Experience Philippines, Corp, a duly registered non-government organization in the Philippines founded by Juliette Kwee.
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| Silhouettes of a child and a man standing on one of the corridors in Happyland in Tondo, Manila. Photo by Jay Yao Campos. |
The proceeds of the operations are used to improve the living conditions in various shantytowns.
Connecting Two Worlds
The Dutch psychologist who has been living in the Philippines since 2008 says that she is not new to volunteer activities. But she felt something stir within her during her first visit to Smokey Mountain, a poverty stricken area located in Tondo, Manila.
Kwee could not help but notice the difference between Smokey Mountain and its neighboring area, Makati City.
Kwee shares, “I went to Smokey Mountain and I was so touched by the community. But I also sometimes go to this posh park in Makati and I was shocked. It’s only half an hour from each other. I started thinking, ‘how can we connect this two worlds?’”
Kwee knew she has to use a tool that will appeal to Filipinos from all walks of life.
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| “Smokey Tours” takes travellers to Barangay 105 Happyland, a temporary housing resettlement in Tondo, Manila. Photo by Jay Yao Campos. |
She concluded: “What do Filipinos like? Filipinos like taking photos. We organized a photowalk and called some photographers to take photos of the children and to show the resiliency of the community.”
The photos, which were put up in an exhibition, sent a powerful message that one could be happy without material things as long there is love, food, and the opportunity for education.
Kwee says that the special tour took shape when she worked with the Smokey Mountain residents and area officers.
“I met some tanods at that time and I was amazed at how they could talk about where they’re from and what they’re doing with pride. “Why is there not a slum tour here?” she shares.
Kwee wasted no time in recruiting and training “tourleaders” from the area. She sought the help of Chris Way, the co-founder of India-based Reality Tours & Travel, which won the Community Award at the World Travel and Tourism Council's (WTTC) 2015 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards Ceremony in Madrid, Spain.
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| Meet the tourleaders of "Smokey Tours". |
“The communities loved it and they are happy. They are very open,” Kwee shares.
“Looking for Volunteers”
The number of Kwee's staff grew over the years. She started by training a barangay tanod and his wife. Now “Smokey Tours” is staffed by student leaders and freelance “tourleaders.”
Kwee says that potential “tourleaders” must undergo an initial interview, criteria checking, and poverty assessment. Aside from that, they are required to answer a questionnaire and an exam, memorize notes, and attend tours, meetings, and the Tourism Smokey Course developed by Kwee and her team. Their punctuality is also evaluated by the “Smokey Tours” leaders.
After that, Kwee says, the rest is trial and error.
Kwee enthuses that there are other ways to contribute to Smokey Tours.
“We also have volunteers in our office we always welcome who help with marketing, research, bookings, to name a few,” she says. “Actually, we are looking for some volunteers.”
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| Makeshift homes in Tondo are made of wood and other scrap materials. Photo by Marty Argarin. |
Facing Adversity
Kwee notes that she thought twice about starting the slum tour in 2014 because of all the negative comments that she received from the online community.
But she decided to push through for the sake of the community. “And at one point, I got so much criticism online. But I asked myself, ‘if I stop now, who will be the victims again?’ It will be the poor,” she says.
Open Doors of Opportunities
For Kwee, the way out of poverty is to provide livelihood and teach the values needed in life.
“I want to train people who can take their own initiative. To be empowered and to take responsibility. People are smart enough to make their own decisions,” Kwee says.
Activities
“Smokey Tours” has expanded its list of activities. Aside from the slum tour, tourists can now explore Manila while cycling, go to cemeteries and other local spots, and experience Old Manila by visiting Quiapo Church, Lacson Plaza, and Ongpin Street.
As a testament to the organization’s excellence, “Smokey Tours” has been ranked number one on TripAdvisor.
Philippine Eagle Foundation: Guardians of the Rare Monkey-Eating Eagle and Other Birds of Prey
9:16:00 PM
The Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), known globally as a powerful and majestic bird of prey, is on the brink of extinction because of habitat loss and illegal hunting.
The dwindling number of these birds remains a major environmental concern today. But thankfully, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), a Davao-based organization, stepped up to the plate to save the endangered species through conservation measures.
Established in the 1970s, the PEF aims to conserve the species of monkey-eating eagles and other birds of prey (raptors) in the country. To strengthen their resolve, they built the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC), an 8.4-hectare space located at the foothills of Mount Apo in Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City dedicated to raising awareness about and breeding Philippine eagles.
Rai Gomez, the Education Administrator of PEF, says that the facility has become a tourist spot in Davao, and has even received support from then-mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Breeding Program
The only breeding facility in the Philippines, PEC uses artificial insemination and the natural pairing process.
In artificial insemination, the monogamous Philippine eagle is imprinted to its caretaker. Meanwhile, for the natural pairing process, two compatible eagles are matched by the PEF staff.
Last February 2016, the natural mating of two eagles produced the 27th chick born in captivity.
Out of the 35 eagles in the facility, 9 are captive bred and 16 are rehabilitated or rescued birds.
Gomez shares that only seven Philippine eagles are for viewing, while the rest are kept from the public for “conservation breeding and research purposes”.
Programs
Gomez shares that PEF offers a wide array of programs in addition to their breeding project.
In Research and Conservation, the PEF researchers workers check the condition of forests and monitor the Philippine eagles in the wild. Gomez adds that these researchers are in charge of working with the local community to educate them how to protect the eagles and other bird species in the area.
Disseminating information is still the best way to protect the environment. In PEF’s Conservation Education Program, they educate their guests about the Philippine eagle. The learning session is complemented with a bird watching activity and “Nature Discovery” where they visit the rainforests to learn more about biodiversity.
Gomez adds that they also strengthen their relationship with the upland communities. They work with the indigenous tribes so that they can continue and preserve the work that was started by PEF.
“It is very important to get strong support from the partner communities. Presently, we also work with former hunters who are now the number one protectors of the Philippine eagle in the area,” she shares.
Their Development Program concentrates on planning fundraising events, handling social media activities, and getting in touch with media.
Volunteer Programs
Gomez says that they are working with organizations but also welcome individual volunteers, who are mostly undergraduate biology and science students.
The local and foreign volunteers get in touch with PEF through email. Scores of foreign participants, mostly sent by their partner organization, AIESEC, choose PEF because of the rare species housed in the center.
During their stint at the PEC, volunteers experience close encounters with the Philippine eagle and various species in the facility. Under the guidance of the PEF staff, the volunteers can also observe and study the plants, trees, and flowers that thrive in the Davao forests.
When asked about the feedback from their volunteers, Gomez shares that the participants are happy and go home with a wealth of experience.
“They start working in different fields. Their immersion here is like a training ground for them,” she says.
Gomez explains that they do not limit the stay of the volunteers. Some visit for a week or stay for a month or two.
No fee is required to become a PEF volunteer. However, all participants must be able to pay all the food and lodging expenses during their stay. To help the volunteers, Gomez says that the PEF staff handles the coordination for all their needs.
Kid Volunteers
Right now, the PEF team is bent on instilling knowledge to volunteers as young as eight years old. The new program, which started in 2016, has about ten active students.
Gomez shares that not even the distance and lack of transportation can quench the enthusiasm of the students.
“If you want to develop future stewards, you have to start with the kids. We encourage them to come to the center so they can create memories with wildlife,” Gomez enthuses.
She adds: “We focus on them to develop their love for the environment.”
PEF as an Educational Facility
PEF is currently designing a module for volunteers who want to go full-time in the conservation process.
“It is a challenge for us to see growth in our volunteers. We want to develop more trainings for them,” Gomez shares.
However, Gomez says that they grapple with the irregular influx of volunteers. One option is to encourage schools to send their students to the facility to learn more about the environment.
“We want them to see the center as an educational facility for the students,” Gomez explains.
Wing Slap Movement
PEF recently launched “Wing Slap Movement”, a campaign launched in honor of the Philippine Eagle Week.
According to Gomez, the wing slap is an eagle’s way to protect themselves in times of danger.
“It is also our way of saying that the destruction of the environment and the killing of our national bird has to stop. When you do the wing slap movement, it is sending a message to stop the destructive activities,” Gomez explains.
Three-time UAAP MVP Alyssa Valdez and the rest of Bali Pure, a volleyball team, supported the campaign.
Visit PEF’s website (http://www.philippineeagle.org/) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/phileaglefdn) to learn more about the organization and their donation process and volunteering opportunities.
The dwindling number of these birds remains a major environmental concern today. But thankfully, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), a Davao-based organization, stepped up to the plate to save the endangered species through conservation measures.
Established in the 1970s, the PEF aims to conserve the species of monkey-eating eagles and other birds of prey (raptors) in the country. To strengthen their resolve, they built the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC), an 8.4-hectare space located at the foothills of Mount Apo in Malagos, Baguio District, Davao City dedicated to raising awareness about and breeding Philippine eagles.
Rai Gomez, the Education Administrator of PEF, says that the facility has become a tourist spot in Davao, and has even received support from then-mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Breeding Program
The only breeding facility in the Philippines, PEC uses artificial insemination and the natural pairing process.
In artificial insemination, the monogamous Philippine eagle is imprinted to its caretaker. Meanwhile, for the natural pairing process, two compatible eagles are matched by the PEF staff.
Last February 2016, the natural mating of two eagles produced the 27th chick born in captivity.
Out of the 35 eagles in the facility, 9 are captive bred and 16 are rehabilitated or rescued birds.
Gomez shares that only seven Philippine eagles are for viewing, while the rest are kept from the public for “conservation breeding and research purposes”.
Programs
Gomez shares that PEF offers a wide array of programs in addition to their breeding project.
In Research and Conservation, the PEF researchers workers check the condition of forests and monitor the Philippine eagles in the wild. Gomez adds that these researchers are in charge of working with the local community to educate them how to protect the eagles and other bird species in the area.
Disseminating information is still the best way to protect the environment. In PEF’s Conservation Education Program, they educate their guests about the Philippine eagle. The learning session is complemented with a bird watching activity and “Nature Discovery” where they visit the rainforests to learn more about biodiversity.
 |
| A PEF volunteer educates a couple of elementary students about the Philippine Eagle. |
“It is very important to get strong support from the partner communities. Presently, we also work with former hunters who are now the number one protectors of the Philippine eagle in the area,” she shares.
Their Development Program concentrates on planning fundraising events, handling social media activities, and getting in touch with media.
Volunteer Programs
Gomez says that they are working with organizations but also welcome individual volunteers, who are mostly undergraduate biology and science students.
The local and foreign volunteers get in touch with PEF through email. Scores of foreign participants, mostly sent by their partner organization, AIESEC, choose PEF because of the rare species housed in the center.
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| AIESEC volunteers prepare PEF materials that will be used in the organization's education programs. |
When asked about the feedback from their volunteers, Gomez shares that the participants are happy and go home with a wealth of experience.
“They start working in different fields. Their immersion here is like a training ground for them,” she says.
Gomez explains that they do not limit the stay of the volunteers. Some visit for a week or stay for a month or two.
No fee is required to become a PEF volunteer. However, all participants must be able to pay all the food and lodging expenses during their stay. To help the volunteers, Gomez says that the PEF staff handles the coordination for all their needs.
Kid Volunteers
Right now, the PEF team is bent on instilling knowledge to volunteers as young as eight years old. The new program, which started in 2016, has about ten active students.
Gomez shares that not even the distance and lack of transportation can quench the enthusiasm of the students.
 |
| PEF's young volunteers clean the river in a bid to help protect the environment. |
She adds: “We focus on them to develop their love for the environment.”
PEF as an Educational Facility
PEF is currently designing a module for volunteers who want to go full-time in the conservation process.
“It is a challenge for us to see growth in our volunteers. We want to develop more trainings for them,” Gomez shares.
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| A PEF volunteer plays with the children from an upland town near the Philippine Eagle Center. |
“We want them to see the center as an educational facility for the students,” Gomez explains.
Wing Slap Movement
PEF recently launched “Wing Slap Movement”, a campaign launched in honor of the Philippine Eagle Week.
According to Gomez, the wing slap is an eagle’s way to protect themselves in times of danger.
“It is also our way of saying that the destruction of the environment and the killing of our national bird has to stop. When you do the wing slap movement, it is sending a message to stop the destructive activities,” Gomez explains.
Three-time UAAP MVP Alyssa Valdez and the rest of Bali Pure, a volleyball team, supported the campaign.
Visit PEF’s website (http://www.philippineeagle.org/) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/phileaglefdn) to learn more about the organization and their donation process and volunteering opportunities.
Ending Malnutrition in Tagum City, Davao del Norte
10:16:00 PM
When retired US chef David Wasson and his wife were invited by a health worker to a feeding program in one of the barangays of Tagum City, Davao del Norte, he was deeply moved by the sight of malnourished children eating lugaw (rice porridge), the regular fare served in such projects.
This was in 2010, when he first settled in the area.
He shares that the barangay health center did the same program after a few months. They did not see significant changes in the children’s weights.
Wasson did not waste time to address the need. Within the same year, he formed the Tagum City Food Bank under the Tagum City Children’s Relief Inc. (TCCRI) so that he and his wife can conduct a feeding program twice a month.
Later on, they decided to step up the efforts by holding a weekly program. Still, the children remained underweight.
That was when the eureka moment came. It dawned on Wasson that individuals, especially malnourished children, need more than the usual rice porridge to reach the right weight. The only way to achieve this is by eating a balanced meal three times a day.
“That is what God intended for us-- to eat a balanced meal every day, three times a day,” Wasson shares.
In impoverished areas, most families do not have enough funds to eat three times a day. Due to extreme poverty, the parents are sometimes forced to choose who among their children will be fed on a particular meal time.
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| Mothers and children from Brgy. Canocotan, Tagum City, Davao del Norte eating the nutritious meal prepared by David Wasson and his team. |
In the three month program, the beneficiaries are provided with a nutritious meal consisting of rice, two viands, rice porridge, soup, fresh fruits, and fruit juice two times a week.
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| An example of a healthy meal: Vegetables, meat, and soup are paired with rice. Fruit juice and slices are healthy alternatives to sugar-laden desserts. |
Weekly nutrition assessment is also conducted.
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| Wasson weighs a child in one of the barangay feeding programs. |
But, Wasson adds, they also welcome mothers and other children up to 12 years old in the Tagum City Food Bank program.
The success of the program in one barangay spurred Wasson to do the same thing to nearby communities.
To date, Wasson and his team have rolled out the nutrition program in all 23 barangays of Tagum City. They have also restored some 807 severely malnourished children. And the number continues to grow as Wasson expands his feeding program.
Barangay Collaboration
Wasson and his team worked with various barangay health departments to determine the areas that are in need of a nutrition program.
By law, all the barangays in the Philippines have to weigh the children living in the area twice a year.
The barangay workers bring the malnourished children to the feeding sessions usually held in a barangay court.
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| Tagum City Children Relief Inc. volunteers prepping up the beneficiaries. |
Wasson, also a teacher, provides a holistic program that includes teaching hygiene, sanitation, and cooking lessons to the beneficiaries.
Healthy Bodies and Minds
Wasson also feeds the minds of the children during the feeding program by sharing reading materials.
“The children select the books, then they bring it back the following week. Every kid gets to read 12 books during the program,” he shares.
Wasson, a two-time grantee, was recently awarded a portable kitchen and a mobile library complete with 3,500 books.
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| A look inside the TCCRI portable library. |
According to Wasson, the children are always excited to get the books.
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| After the feeding program, Wasson and the barangay workers distribute books to the children. Here, they pose with their new reading materials. |
Wasson shares that most of the volunteer work can be done in the mobile library.
“The feeding programs are done two times a week, that’s it. It would be more enjoyable to work in the mobile library,” he notes.
“For me, the mobile library represents the bigger opportunity for volunteers. The library operates every day of the week in each of the barangay for two weeks,” he shares. “That way every barangay can have the library for two weeks each year.”
He says that barangay workers and other volunteers go to the library to read stories to children.
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering at the Tagum City Food Bank is free of charge. However, volunteers are responsible for their food and lodging costs while staying in the area.
Wasson says that most of his volunteers, who come from the US and Asian countries, are professionals who are supported by their company.
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| One volunteer talks to a child during the rice giving portion of the feeding program. |
“They cry. It is hard to explain the things that are happening here,” he shares.
Smiling Eyes
Wasson continues that during the first week of the feeding program, he can only see hopelessness in the eyes of the beneficiaries.
“I call it ‘learned helplessness’. You can see it in their faces that they are helpless,” he shares.
“But after a couple of weeks, you can see a smile in their eyes, it’s like they have hope. That is probably the most satisfying thing for me-- when I see that hope in their eyes,” he says.
Everything done with love will have a strong impact. Perhaps this is what sets Wasson apart from other health workers.
He says, “The mothers would come to me saying: ‘You loved my kids. What you did for us, you did it with love. And my kids felt loved.’”
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| Wasson sits down to talk to a mother and her child. |
For more information on how to donate or volunteer, visit Tagum City Food Bank’s Facebook account (https://www.facebook.com/Tagum-City-Food-bank) and website (http://www.tagumfoodbank.org/)
Spreading Hope, One Community at a Time
1:03:00 AM
Classroom shortage and low-quality school facilities continue to plague the Philippine educaton. This is most apparent in the remote areas where budget constraints and othr factors hamper the implementation of new school building programs.
Perhaps what these indigenous areas need, aside from money, are people who are willing to address the problem. Rising up to take the challenge is Klasrums ng Pag-Asa, an organization founded by Attorney Angelo Valencia in 2011.
| Attorney Angelo Valencia or "Kuya Paltak" (fifth from left), founder of the Klasrums ng Pag-Asa, poses with the volunteers and beneficiaries. |
Valencia, a true blue volunteer who has worked alongside 2009 CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida, shares that the Klasrums ng Pag-Asa dares to bring education to the fringes of society.
“We would like to help the government to fill the gap with respect to classroom shortage, teacher empowerment, and construction of school facilities where the road ends and where the streets have no names. In local parlance, we go to the places that people don’t try to go,” he shares.
Making good on their promise, the Klasrums ng Pag-Asa has reached out to the “uplands of the north, the hinterlands of Sulu, the islands of Palawan, Negros Occidental, and the center of the jungle in Maguindanao.”
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| A beam of sunlight brightens the classrooms of Abucot Elementary School in Kabayan, Benguet, one of the partner schools of Klasrums ng Pag-Asa. |
Bayanihan
Valencia, also known as "Kuya Paltak", shares that their group coordinates with various institutions like National Bookstore, Black Pencil, local governments, and even military groups. Painters, divers, and storytellers also contribute to the projects of Klasrums ng Pag-Asa.
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| A female soldier hands over a storybook to a student during one of the outreach programs of Klasrums ng Pag-Asa. |
Valencia says that teamwork and humility are essential to the success of Klarums ng Pag-Asa.
“Klasrums ng Pag-Asa is composed of different groups. Some take photos, supply books. We have military groups, divers, painters, and storytellers. It is what you call ‘side-by-side organization’. No one is a leader, everyone is a follower,” Valencia says.
He adds, “There is no ego or sense of entitlement, which often causes problems. We practice the concept of ‘bayanihan’”.
Bayanihan is a Filipino trait that promotes cooperation within a community to help others reach a specific goal.
Working With the Indigenous Groups
Valencia shares that Klasrums ng Pag-Asa has fostered a symbiotic relationship with their communities, especially the indigenous groups.
“It is not just about us folks going to the communities and helping others. It is a synergy of what the community can provide and what the volunteers can share with. It’s like an exchange,” he says.
He also shares that in helping with the program, the volunteers get an in-depth look at their ancestry.
“We give them (communities) wings, and they give us roots. By doing the volunteer actions, we get in touch with their roots. It is a good feeling because we are learning as we go along,” Valencia says. “So, then, it is not fair to say that we are the only ones helping; in fact, they are helping us more.”
Community Reception
Klasrums ng Pag-Asa is committed to taking care of their partner communities. Valencia shares that their local alliances since 2011 still stand today.
“The communities from 2011 are still with us. What we do is not a one-time shot in the dark. We nurture them,” Valencia says. “We always come back.”
Valencia shares that they help communities to generate income. He cites an example where locals were prompted to create a homestay program for the volunteers to make up for the lack of hotels and restaurants.
Homestay is a form of hospitality where the local communities offer accommodation to volunteers and guests.
On Volunteers
Valencia shares that local and foreign volunteers help in their operation. These workers get in touch with the group through Facebook or by calling the organization. Joining the program is free and open for everyone.
As for trainings, Valencia shares that almost all their volunteers are already full-fledged social workers. But when needed, the entrants can be trained during their community programs.
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| Tropang Bridaga Eskwela, one of the partner groups Klasrums ng Pag-Asa. |
“It is about co-ownership. We build the structures and people pitch with respect to implementing (the program),” Valencia says.
Valencia shares that they also have the option about the duration of their volunteer work.
When asked about the requirements for volunteers, Valencia says, “They only need three things: an open mind, kind heart, and willingness to serve. This is service. There is no five star treatment here. But when seeing the smiles of the kids, that will be enough,” Valencia enthuses.
The Spirit of Helping
When asked where he gets his enthusiasm, Valencia shares that the spirit of helping is innate in Filipinos. He also emphasized the importance of banding together with people who have the same vision of reaching out.
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| Volunteers work together to renovate and repaint classrooms in one of the partner schools of Klasrums ng Pag-Asa. |
To add, he says that volunteerism should not be self-serving but must look out for those who are in need.
“Volunteerism should never be about fame, fortune, prize, or affirmation. It should ask the question how the private sector can help those who are in the fringes of society reach greater heights. Whatever progress we have here in the city should be shared with those in the marginalized areas,” he says.
To learn more about their advocacy, visit their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Klasrums-ng-Pag-Asa).
Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation Steers Kids’ Future Toward a Brighter Tomorrow
11:54:00 PM
Many children living in far-flung areas are left with no choice but to cross rivers and climb rocky terrains just to attend school. The trip to and from school can last for hours, depending on the weather and the trail condition.
This is the scenario that confronts the children living in remote communities in the country, where roads and bridges are nowhere in sight. And because of severe poverty, many students drop out after attending a few classes.
At first glance, the challenges seem almost insurmountable. But for Anton Mari Lim, the founder of the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, the answer can be found in the form of a simple wooden watercraft.
This is the scenario that confronts the children living in remote communities in the country, where roads and bridges are nowhere in sight. And because of severe poverty, many students drop out after attending a few classes.
At first glance, the challenges seem almost insurmountable. But for Anton Mari Lim, the founder of the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, the answer can be found in the form of a simple wooden watercraft.
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| Doctor Anton Mari Lim (right) and a female volunteer shows off their paddle during one of their outreach programs. |
Lim shares, “Sometimes the most complex problems, require a very simple solution. For us, the boat is the instant solution.”
The Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, formerly known as the Zamboanga Funds for Little Kids, has donated over a thousand boats to some 71 communities across the country. These boats traverse rivers to help children get to their school safe and dry.
These days, the foundation has ramped up their outreach efforts. They now provide “long-term solutions” such as dormitories, day care centers, renovated classrooms, regular dental and medical missions and livelihood programs. The foundation also offers scholarships and
The Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, formerly known as the Zamboanga Funds for Little Kids, has donated over a thousand boats to some 71 communities across the country. These boats traverse rivers to help children get to their school safe and dry.
These days, the foundation has ramped up their outreach efforts. They now provide “long-term solutions” such as dormitories, day care centers, renovated classrooms, regular dental and medical missions and livelihood programs. The foundation also offers scholarships and
school supplies to children in need.
Lim enthuses that as of now, they already have 11 scholars who have graduated college and are now working here and abroad.
Local Implementers
According to Lim, the foundation is 100 percent volunteer-driven, which means that all the donated funds go straight to the intended beneficiaries from various communities.
Lim enthuses that as of now, they already have 11 scholars who have graduated college and are now working here and abroad.
Local Implementers
According to Lim, the foundation is 100 percent volunteer-driven, which means that all the donated funds go straight to the intended beneficiaries from various communities.
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| Lim (second from left) and his volunteers turn over a Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation paddle to a local government official. |
Before starting a project, Lim shares that they create a linkage with the local government. From there, the officials can lay down the immediate needs of the area.
They also have local counterparts who help to ensure the sustainability of the projects. The volunteers undergo online training headed by Lim, his partner Jay Jaboneta, and other “internet warriors,” most of whom are past beneficiaries.
“We train them online. We create chat rooms so we can answer their questions,” Lim explains.
Volunteers
Lim shares that the majority of the volunteers who help in the foundation are American high school and college students and European young professionals. The interested volunteers, who mostly come in groups, communicate with them through Facebook and email.
He adds that they regularly welcome students from their partner schools in Japan, Singapore, and U.S.A.
As of now, the immersion program is conducted in Palawan and other areas in Cebu such as Malapascua, Caohagan, Daan Bantayan, and Mactan.
The Yellow Boat’s volunteer program does not require payment but all travelers have to be insured and must be able to shoulder all the food and lodging expenses. The Yellow Boat staff can help the volunteers by doing all the reservations to ensure that they get their money’s worth.
They also have local counterparts who help to ensure the sustainability of the projects. The volunteers undergo online training headed by Lim, his partner Jay Jaboneta, and other “internet warriors,” most of whom are past beneficiaries.
“We train them online. We create chat rooms so we can answer their questions,” Lim explains.
Volunteers
Lim shares that the majority of the volunteers who help in the foundation are American high school and college students and European young professionals. The interested volunteers, who mostly come in groups, communicate with them through Facebook and email.
He adds that they regularly welcome students from their partner schools in Japan, Singapore, and U.S.A.
As of now, the immersion program is conducted in Palawan and other areas in Cebu such as Malapascua, Caohagan, Daan Bantayan, and Mactan.
The Yellow Boat’s volunteer program does not require payment but all travelers have to be insured and must be able to shoulder all the food and lodging expenses. The Yellow Boat staff can help the volunteers by doing all the reservations to ensure that they get their money’s worth.
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| The Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation foreign volunteers pose with the children from a partner community. |
Lim says that the volunteers have the freedom to determine the duration of their stay. But they are encouraged to go around the country and help other provinces in need.
Volunteer Work
Lim says that their programs entail lending a helping hand.
“In Yellow Boat, it’s not just about seeing the sights. There is hands-on experience, you have to contribute something to the community. You can donate school supplies, repaint classrooms, paint walls, or build boats. We are heavy on volunteerism,” he explains.
Lim shares that the participants are satisfied with the experience as evidenced by the volume of repeat volunteers. “Yes, we have repeaters,” he says. “So that means they had a good time here.”
Passion and Shared Responsibility
Lim is relentless in helping their partner communities. When asked about his commitment to helping, he says, “I get my passion from the kids. When you see them, they do not complain. The parents are willing to sacrifice. It makes you realize that your problems are small compared to theirs.”
There is also a sense of fulfillment in drawing others to partake in the joy of helping others. “Everybody can be a part of the solution. The privilege of helping is not limited to government officials. It is an opportunity to all. Let’s come together and help.”
For Lim, big and small donations are powerful enough to drive change in communities. “Just do not underestimate one boat, one dollar, or ten dollar donation. That is already a big thing. Once combined, that is the only time when you will know its impact to the community.”
Volunteer Work
Lim says that their programs entail lending a helping hand.
“In Yellow Boat, it’s not just about seeing the sights. There is hands-on experience, you have to contribute something to the community. You can donate school supplies, repaint classrooms, paint walls, or build boats. We are heavy on volunteerism,” he explains.
Lim shares that the participants are satisfied with the experience as evidenced by the volume of repeat volunteers. “Yes, we have repeaters,” he says. “So that means they had a good time here.”
Passion and Shared Responsibility
Lim is relentless in helping their partner communities. When asked about his commitment to helping, he says, “I get my passion from the kids. When you see them, they do not complain. The parents are willing to sacrifice. It makes you realize that your problems are small compared to theirs.”
There is also a sense of fulfillment in drawing others to partake in the joy of helping others. “Everybody can be a part of the solution. The privilege of helping is not limited to government officials. It is an opportunity to all. Let’s come together and help.”
For Lim, big and small donations are powerful enough to drive change in communities. “Just do not underestimate one boat, one dollar, or ten dollar donation. That is already a big thing. Once combined, that is the only time when you will know its impact to the community.”
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| Volunteers waiting for the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation beneficiaries to arrive. |
If you want to learn how to help Yellow Boat Foundation, visit yellowboat.org/ or their Facebook account (https://www.facebook.com/
