GK YGAT 07 - A Journey for Life
By CAMILO ("DONNIE") VELASCO Date Posted: April 5, 2007
Gawad Kalinga or GK when translated means ‘to give care’. GKYGAT
(Gawad Kalinga Youth Great Adventure Tour) is an annual program of GK
Youth that allows young people to work with the poor overseas. The GK 777 vision is
to build 700,000 homes in 7 000 communities in 7 years. It was through this
vision that 77 young Australian volunteers were drawn together, embarking
on the GKYGAT ’07 program with the desire to work with and for the poor.
The 77 young Australians began their journey on Sunday night, the 21st of
January. They had come from different parts of Australia. Of the participants
were several Miss GK candidates and Miss GK Australia 2006, Karla
Magayanes.
Each participant had different reasons for attending GKYGAT ’07. Some were interested in learning different strategies of dealing with
poverty worldwide. Others, because of their Filipino background, wanted to know more about their culture and to use their talents and
gifts to assist in eliminating poverty in the Philippines. Despite differing reasons, they had come together and united for the common
purposes of love for the poor, to “share hope and restore dignity”.
On the 2nd day of the program, the 77 were taken to 2 developed GK sites in Manila: Baseco and Brookside. The volunteers saw how
poverty-stricken slums were gradually transforming into communities that provided basic necessities such as solid shelter and water.
This ‘immersion’ in the communities allowed volunteers to connect with the families that resided there. Though many volunteers could
not speak the national language of Tagalog, language was not a barrier when it came to bringing joy and sharing love.
That evening, the group travelled to Iriga Character Village in the province of Bicol, where they would also take part in transforming
slums into communities. On the way, the group made a stop over at the GK Libmanan village. The group was greeted with a heart
warming welcome by the families of GK Libmanan together with dancing and breakfast. After breakfast the group continued their way to
Iriga.
It was a treat for the 77 young Australians to be building at Iriga. They were graced with the beauties of the province; the deep, green
landscape decorated with coconut tress and the marvellous site of Mt Iriga. In groups of two, three or four, the volunteers were
accommodated by beneficiaries for 5-6 days, together with an honourary welcome by the village and the local Mayor on arrival night.
The building process brought about a wellspring of experiences
for both the volunteers and residents of the village. It was more
than just building structures for homes; it was about community,
reviving hope, joy and dignity. Having been through two
consecutive typhoons, the energy and liveliness that was
carried by the volunteers uplifted the spirit of the village. In
between the building sessions, there was always time to spend
with the families of the village. It gave the community hope and
inspired them to also participate in their village’s development.
In addition, the energetic experience had drawn the community
and volunteers together.
In the morning of Sunday, 28th of January, time came to
farewell the families that had welcomed and cared for the
volunteers. Just as they had welcomed their guests, the families
from Iriga gathered around the buses and amidst an air of
sadness, they bid farewell.
On their trip back to Manila, 2 other GK sites were visited –
Panganiban and Sison. Panganiban was full of festivities. It was
a chance for the volunteers to experience the cultural activity of
bamboo climbing and to further immerse themselves in the
development work of GK. GK Sison village allowed a more
practical immersion experience for the volunteers, facilitating in
the different developmental programs of GK – Health, Shelter, Community Empowerment,
Education and skills workshop.
In addition, a day was spent accompanying children ages 6-14
from GK Bagong Silang to a well known amusement park called
Enchanted Kingdom. The GK YGATers then travelled to Bohol for their Rest & Recreation including The Amazing Race.
As the tour came to an end, there was time to unwind and
reflect on the experiences and friendships made over the 2
weeks. It was a time to ask oneself ‘What is next after this life
changing experience?’
The program of GKYGAT ’07 ended on the 6th of February
2007. But the spirit of GKYGAT ’07: of love and family they
shared, has only begun.
For more info about the GK Youth Great Adventure Tour, please visit GK YGAT.
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That evening, the group travelled to Iriga Character Village in the province of Bicol, where they would also take part in transforming
slums into communities. On the way, the group made a stop over at the GK Libmanan village. The group was greeted with a heart
warming welcome by the families of GK Libmanan together with dancing and breakfast. After breakfast the group continued their way to
Iriga.
The building process brought about a wellspring of experiences
for both the volunteers and residents of the village. It was more
than just building structures for homes; it was about community,
reviving hope, joy and dignity. Having been through two
consecutive typhoons, the energy and liveliness that was
carried by the volunteers uplifted the spirit of the village. In
between the building sessions, there was always time to spend
with the families of the village. It gave the community hope and
inspired them to also participate in their village’s development.
In addition, the energetic experience had drawn the community
and volunteers together.
In addition, a day was spent accompanying children ages 6-14
from GK Bagong Silang to a well known amusement park called
Enchanted Kingdom. The GK YGATers then travelled to Bohol for their Rest & Recreation including The Amazing Race.
