In Issue 9 of GK Times, the GKOM News Bureau featured 2 of our GK YGAT 2009 Leaders, Trich Tonel and Matthew Alberto. This month, we would like to feature the transcript of the Q & A with our other GK YGAT 2009 Leaders, Austin Musa, Christine Stanley, Jam Quisumbing and James Palomo.
How did you first learn about GK?
AM: I'm not telling...*gossip*
CS: From a mate i used to work with.
JQ: A friend went on a GKYGAT in 2007 and I saw her photos of the villages, the building process,
the GK beneficiaries and how much fun the volunteers had. I remember thinking “I should have
been there!”
JP: I was at a singing competition and there was a short video and presentation on GK, but I didn't
really hear more about it until I found out some friends of mine got involved, and it grew from there.
What made you want to continue working for GK?
AM: The chance to meet people and do something good.
CS: Because i like seeing young aussies using their talents to benefit others.
JQ: In my opinion, GK is the most effective answer against world poverty and I want to help it grow.
It wasn’t satisfying enough to donate to various charities. I wanted to see the problems (and victories)
with my own eyes, which is what GK allows you to do. You get a lot of satisfaction from investing
a little time and love into something extraordinary.
JP: Being there on the GAT really opened my eyes to what the works of GK are achieving in order to
make this world a better place, for present and future generations.
Do you have a favourite moment from your YGAT experience(s)?
AM: The toilet and septic tank.
CS: Too many, one was when Ohana (means “family” - no one gets left behind) was created when a
GATer was sick... because when your on GAT your fellow GATers are like your family.
JQ: I remember getting overwhelmed when my GK host mother cried the day I left her village. She
was so sweet.
JP: During our build, our house started flooding with water. When we went to check it out, we found
our things high and dry off the ground and our host mum trying to bail the water out along with
some of the other locals and GATers. I was thankful that they were all willing to help, especially for
my host mum - someone who I had only known for a day or so, but was so eager to look after us.
Why do you think the youth should go to YGAT 2009?
AM: The experience of something different and very fulfilling...and to get the chance to give something
back to those who are less fortunate, while exploring one of the most beautiful island in the
world!
CS: It’s a great way to see a country and sharing your time in being with the poor.
JQ: Because it extends their life experiences beyond just the people and places they know. Young
people should take advantage of their youth to get a bigger picture of what goes on in the world.
They are in the best position to make big changes before they ‘settle down’.
JP: So that they can find out for themselves that even in the worst situations, you can find something
or someone beautiful and amazing, so much so that you want to fight for them and see things
through and show your support.
Any words of wisdom you live by?
AM: Do it now and do it good, or someone will stand where you stood.
CS: I may not be able to change the world as one person, but I can change the world for one person...
JQ: The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud. (Coco Chanel).
JP: What’s most important in this world is that everyone respects one another, and looks out for one
another, regardless.
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