By CHRIS DAVIDSON
In January this year I embarked on a journey to the beautiful land of the Philippines with 62 other Australian volunteers of different ages, cultural backgrounds, faith and religions coming together for one goal – To help the less fortunate.
The journey was part of a ‘Great Adventure Tour’, arranged by an organisation called “Gawad Kalinga”(GK) which means “To Give Care”. GK has a vision that started in 2003: GK777. The vision is to build 700,000 homes in 7,000 Gk sustainable communities in 7 years.
When I first attended this tour in 2004, I thought the vision is so BIG! Looking at it now, I realise that the state of poverty in less developed countries around the world is massive and therefore, we must dream big.
Our adventure began way before we arrived in the Philippines. Throughout the year we fundraised for our trip by selling chocolates, washing cars, trivia nights, working extra hours and saving every cent we had. This really inspired me, as the hard work meant that although we were going to this amazing holiday and having the time of our lives; it was about providing service to others. We needed to be selfless and provide our time and most importantly our hearts.
Our trip was for just over 2 weeks, where we were split into three groups covering the main regions of the Philippines. Each group spent their time in various GK villages and working with the village and beneficiaries of the houses. We found ourselves knee deep in mud digging foundations and 6 foot septic tanks, mixing cement, passing gravel, clay, rocks, and hollow blocks, building walls, floors and toilets all with just simple shovels, picks and our Aussie spirit.
We lived with those who already have a home established and got to understand their trials and hurdles in life - nothing short of an eye-opening experience for us all. Many of the people were once abandoned, lived in cardboard boxes, street kids who once begged for money. Unfortunately, this is the sight many people see when they go to the Philippines. I did not realize the impact this work had in their lives until I saw how special they felt to know others around the world would volunteer their time to show they cared.
In our tour we visited sites once known to be rubbish dumps, which have been transformed into sustainable communities with GK houses, caretakers and teams to help build values back into the lives of those who were once helpless. Many after 4 years have started looking for better opportunities, including children who have gone through the Child and Youth development programs. Those who were once begging on busy city streets are now entering universities – an amazing accomplishment!
Philippines is a beautiful country, which is rich in culture and history. I just want to thank all those who were a part of this great work around the world and all those out there making a difference to those in need and in living simply. This includes my managers for always supporting me in my efforts.
Our trip was for just over 2 weeks, where we were split into three groups covering the main regions of the Philippines. Each group spent their time in various GK villages and working with the village and beneficiaries of the houses. We found ourselves knee deep in mud digging foundations and 6 foot septic tanks, mixing cement, passing gravel, clay, rocks, and hollow blocks, building walls, floors and toilets all with just simple shovels, picks and our Aussie spirit.
