ng mundo THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF AFS IPP
VOLUME 3 - ISSUE 2 - MAY 2012
AFS IPP Celebrates National Day of Service AFS Intercultural Programs Philippines was selected by YSA or Youth Service America as a Global Youth Service Day 2012 Country Partner for Philippines. Global Youth Service Day is an annual campaign that celebrates and mobilizes the millions of children and youth who improve their communities each day of the year through service and servicelearning, which takes place from April 20 to 22. Over the years, millions of youth have participated in Global Youth Service Day across the world and organized thousands of volunteer projects that benefit their communities. April 21, 2012 was tagged as AFS National Day of Service to celebrate intercultural exchange through organized volunteer projects for Global Youth Service weekend.
Mangrove planting and coastal clean-up drive
With the tagline “Let your community know about us while giving back at the same time,” AFS chapters, alumni, volunteers, host families and friends were encouraged to gather forces across the country and celebrate AFS intercultural exchanges through a nationwide campaign to organize volunteer projects. Working in parallel to the Global Youth Service weekend, the AFS National Day of Service has become part of the largest service event in the world. At the end of the event, participants were expected to share what they learned during the activities, to commit to Global Youth Service Day 2013 and to incorporate service projects throughout the year! see page 2
What’s Inside : GYSD Photos, AAI Filipino Journalist, 2012 World Congress, Sending/Hosting/VolDev/Alumni Updates, Interns' Corner, and more!
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Story-telling and fun-filled educational games
D O N A T I O N
D R I V E
AFS National Day of Service...page 1 Other significant projects conducted by AFS Chapters on this period were:
Feeding Program
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Health awareness campaign through proper sanitation Love drive / shoebox operation Livelihood training program through recyclable materials Educational workshop for out-of-school youth Youth in Solidarity (get together) & coastal clean-up
AFS
PHILIPPINES ATTENDS WORLD CONGRESS 2012 Proudly wearing their national costumes are (from left) Atty Sulaiman (AFS MAS Partner Director), Rahiema Guerra (AFS IPP Chair and AAI President), Annie Yap (AFS MAS Assistant National Director), and Elizabeth Eduave (AFS IPP National Director)
AFS Intercultural Programs Philippines (AFS-IPP) represented by Ms. Rahiema Bagis-Guerra (AFS-IPP Chair/AAI President), Mr. Hector Y. Dimacali (BOT-Vice President), Mr. Manuel Ortega (BOT-Finance Officer) and Ms. Elizabeth V. Eduave (National Director) along with almost 60 Partners participated in the World Congress 2012 on February 6-12, held in Bangkok, Thailand. The Congress with a theme, “Sharpening our Focus” highlighted three key priorities of the organization which include Volunteer Development, New Programs and Intercultural Learning, in realizing the following objectives: (1) To inspire Partners to invest in volunteer development
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and intercultural learning content as drivers for growth, (2) To endorse ways to involve more people in new, relevant programs that deliver on our brand, (3) To provide an opportunity to address internal and external challenges in our operating environment, (4) To improve linkages between Network leaders and Partners, (5) To account for actions taken by AFS International, AFS Partners and Affiliates to reach Vision 2020 since the last World Congress. Featured events included sessions in volunteer development, new programs development, intercultural learning, review of challenges and accountability; P2P (Partner to Partner) Meetings which allowed partners to negotiate on program implementations; entertainment nights which elaborated the congress’ dinners; and the Flavors of Asia An Evening with AAI (AFS Asia Pacific Initiative) which starred leaders, national directors and chairpersons of the growing AAI family; and showcased the various programs offered in the region through a fashion and cultural show. Truly, the 2012 World Congress introduced opportunities for the network to develop and improve program management and services while similarly strengthening relationship among partners, paving way to the continued growth and health of the organization. The next AFS World Congress will be in 2014 to be hosted by AFS France.
Sending Program Updates
Finding Home Away From Home
Ryan Edward Chua
AAI Exchange Journalist to Argentina
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t was the longest I have ever been up in the air: three connecting flights, 36 hours of flying across three continents and different time zones. Indeed, traveling from one side of the world to another is never easy. When I arrived in Buenos Aires from Manila that cold Thursday morning, I was tired and disoriented. I was also nervous, being in an unfamiliar territory thousands of miles away from home. That feeling of being lost, however, lasted only until I stepped out of the airport, saw the city, and met the people. Every time I met someone even for the first time, a cheek would press against mine—a gesture found strange at first, but later appreciated as a sign of warmth. I came to Argentina aiming to explore a culture different from my own, and expecting to get shocked in the process, especially because I know very little about the country. The biggest shock for me, however, was that I did not get shocked. Perhaps because of the people, I never felt out of place even while being in a faraway country. After staying there for a month and interacting with locals, I can say that we Filipinos and Argentinians are the same in many ways. We both welcome strangers with open arms, treating anyone with friendliness and warmth. We work hard—and party harder. We love eating and laughing and socializing. We treasure friends, and above all, family. “Their values are the same as ours,” says Jocelyn Umali, a Filipino I met in Buenos Aires. Very few Filipinos live in Argentina, and most of them there have adapted to the country’s culture and way of life. Jocelyn came to Argentina in 2002, married an Argentinian, and now speaks and acts like a local while maintaining her Filipino identity. It’s not hard, she says, because the culture where she was raised is almost the same as the one she has now learned to embrace. There were also challenges, especially for someone like me who doesn’t speak and understand Spanish. I often found myself getting lost in conversations, and having to keep quiet even when I wanted to say something. But the language barrier was not too hard to overcome. What I could not express in words, I conveyed in actions. Somehow, it worked: many of the friends I made there do not speak in English, and yet we managed to get along well. Maybe true understanding—and friendship—transcend the boundaries of language. And even that barrier could not hide the similarities between the cultures of the Philippines and Argentina.
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I believe Filipinos and Argentinians have many similarities because their societies were shaped by almost the same experiences in history. Both were once colonies of Spain, underwent dictatorships that stifled human rights, and suffered economic hardships. Today, the challenges both countries face are also similar, as I have seen while working for a television news channel. Poverty, unemployment, corruption, inefficient government services, criminality, and a territorial dispute with a powerful nation are just some of the issues the two countries grapple with at present. Going to Argentina on an intercultural journey taught me that Filipinos have more similarities than differences with Argentinians, and that behind the differences lies our common humanity. It made me want explore other cultures, and ignited in me the passion to be a global citizen, a lover of diversity, someone who doesn’t feel lost even while being somewhere far. Intercultural learning helps us, Filipinos, become global citizens. It makes us embrace the differences of other cultures from ours, and open our eyes wide enough to celebrate the similarities. Most of all, it enables us to draw lessons from other countries and share our own to them. This is where the role of journalists comes in. As a journalist whose job is to tell stories, I was lucky to have the opportunity to explore and immerse myself in a different culture. I made sure I made the most of the opportunity by searching for stories that would not only introduce Argentina to my fellow Filipinos, but also highlight aspects of its culture that the Philippines can probably learn from. I found one such story while strolling around the town center near the presidential office in Buenos Aires. Every Thursday, a group of old women who lost their children during the dictatorship march around the plaza. They’ve been doing it for more than 30 years now—before, to demand authorities to find their children, and today, to make sure people never forget the dark years of the dictatorship. Coming from a country that also experienced a dictatorship, I knew Filipinos would be able to relate to the story. More than anything, what struck me about this was how Argentinians are in touch with their history. They do not forget, or at least try not to. This is the reason 98-year-old Juanita Pargamente never gets tired of walking around the Plaza de Mayo until now, even if she has never found her son. This is the reason the soldiers who fought in Argentina’s war with the United Kingdom over the Malvinas Islands 30 years ago continue to be honored as heroes. This is the reason old structures all around the city are preserved, reminding everyone of the country’s rich and colorful history, and most importantly, its lessons. Aside from this, I wrote stories about Filipinos in Argentina: how they embraced a different culture, and how they are coping with the challenges of living in another country. They, for me, are the perfect examples of people who have been shaped by intercultural learning and understanding. By writing these stories and sharing them through online media, I hoped to help Filipinos see themselves even in a distant part of the world and learn from the examples of a different culture, whether they view them as good or bad. As the world continues to become flat—a globalized age when the boundaries among countries are almost nonexistent—taking a journey to embrace a different culture can help us find home wherever we are. To read more about Ryan’s experience in Argentina as an AFS exchange journalist, visit: http://ryanedwardchua.com/
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Sending Program Updates
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Welcome Home, AFS Mabuhay Scholars!
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n May 21, 2012, AFS IPP conducted a re-entry orientation for the two recipients of the first ever AFS Mabuhay Scholarship Grants, who came back from their successful exchange program year in Thailand. Rey Carlo Brion (hosted in Bangkok) and Julio Luis del Prado (hosted in Nan) were welcomed by the AFS Sending Team, AFS National Director Elizabeth Eduave (representing AFS IPP Board), ARFPI Board members Loida Mayo and Lina Winebrenner, and AFS Mabuhay Selection Committee member Mimi Martin (host mom in 2008). The orientation was facilitated to prepare the students in the re-adjustment they will face after their exchange year. There was a round table introduction as well as sharing of their experiences in Thailand – the ups and downs, impressions, and highlights of their stay. Everyone in presence was also impressed how much the two have acquired the Thai language. Parents of the two scholars were also present during the orientation. It was shared that this successful pilot exchange was a partnership of ARFPI, AFS IPP and AFS THA organizations. The parents were very grateful to AFS especially now that they are aware of how much it costs for an AFS participant to go on the program as well as the value of the intercultural learning exchange program. It was pointed out that post-program responsibilities such as volunteering and paying forward is not expressly required but is strongly encouraged. Both students were then asked to accomplish the Customer Service Evaluation forms and were awarded certificates of completion. The orientation ended with a photo op and a video interview with the two. In addition, the students were invited to the hosting arrival orientation in July and sending selection activities in August.
US Ambassador Thomas Welcomes PYLP9 Participants at Re-entry Orientation
Photo courtesy of US Embassy
Ambassador Thomas with PYLP9 Alumni and AFS Philippines Staff
The newly-elected PYLP9 officers take an oath after the induction
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n May 17-19, 2012, AFS Philippines conducted a re-entry orientation for the PYLP 9 (Philippine Youth Leadership Program) participants who have successfully completed their five-week peace education, inter-ethnic dialogue and conflict resolution program with the theme “Building a New Generation of Citizens as Catalysts for Social Change” at Northern Illinois University (NIU), DeKalb, Illinois, USA funded by the US State Department through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Youth Programs Division. US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas welcomed the 26 youth from Mindanao and held an informal chat with them. PYLP alumni then shared their most memorable experiences in the United States, while the Ambassador encouraged them to stay connected through the Embassy’s Alumni and social media networks. Hector Dimacali (AFS IPP Vice Chair) was also present to deliver inspirational message to the alumni.
From left: Elizabeth Eduave (AFS IPP National Director), Lina Winebrenner (ARFPI Board Member), Mimi Martin (AFS Mabuhay Scholarship Committee Member), Loida Mayo (ARFPI Board Member), Julio del Prado, Emily Del Prado (Julio’s mom), Rey Carlo Brion, and Teresita Brion (Carlo’s mom)
Rey Carlo and Julio Luis enthusiastically share their experiences during their AFS exchange year in Thailand.
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The re-entry orientation was set to prepare the participants upon returning to their respective communities. It also included a session with the US Embassy representatives, where Richmond Jimenez (alumni coordinator) shared the various opportunities awaiting them as alumni, which includes possible grants and sponsorship for their future community service activities. Also part of the orientation is the preparation for their project implementation, election of batch officers, and awarding of certificates of program completion. Hector Dimacali (AFS IPP Vice Chair) gives an inspirational message during the opening program
Sending Program Updates
Filipino K-L YES 2011-12 Scholar Wins Community Service Contest
Kaerels Fernadez (first from left) with the other winners of Community Service Contest 2012
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YUSA, a non-profit cultural exchange organization and study abroad organization for high school students interested in becoming foreign exchange students, and a placement organization that hosts a portion of the Kennedy-Lugar YES students in communities across the United States, conducted a Community Service Contest participated by their hosted students. Kaerels Fernandez, K-L YES 201112 hosted in Wisconsin, USA was among the three winning students chosen who demonstrated a true dedication to community service. According to the organization, “The variety and magnitude of Kae’s community service hours really inspired the judges. Kae has devoted much of her volunteer time to working with children in a Cognitive/Special Education classroom, assisting young children at a local church, helping those less fortunate and fundraising for her school’s youth activities, among others. Kae viewed her community service as not just helping others, but also as an opportunity to learn about American culture and educate people about her culture as well. Furthermore, Kae’s numerous recommendations from teachers and advisors involved with her activities all agreed that she has continuously led by example, and that her ability to adapt, incredible enthusiasm and energy…has served as a great example to students and the community. She has demonstrated that there is always an opportunity to share and to serve.” Kaerels did a total of 216 hours and 15 minutes of community service. She won a free trip to California for 8 days. Kaerels also won 3rd place in the International Education Week contest, and 5th place in Business Presentation during the Future Business Leaders of America Conference in Waunukee (a conference for all the students taking accounting classes). She was invited to celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. day at Wisconsin State Capitol by the program emcee Mr. Jonathan Overby, who also wrote an article about Kaerels in the state journal. Furtheremore, Kaerels gained her varsity letter in her winter sport "curling." Her group won 2nd place in the Commercial Presentation and 1st place on the poster making at the Mini Business World (a conference attended by all high school students in her district taking accounting or business classes). Kaerels was also a State Qualifier in Forensics for Poem Reading with the piece "A Word from a Petitioner" by John Pierpoint. She is a consistent honor student in her school.
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2012
Civic Education Workshop Jorjani Sinsuat (K-L YES 2011) Hosted in Forest, Ohio From left: Abdulrauf Garangan, Snow-Reeham Halud, and Jorjani Sinsuat.
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merican Councils, American Civics Center and the State Department in Washington, D.C. conducted the 2012 Civic Education Workshop on February 26 - March 3, 2012. Prior to this event, exchange students all over the United States were asked to create an essay regarding a social, political or economic issue in their respective nations, from which the winning essays were selected to join the said workshop. From about 700 essays submitted, 100 participants from the K-L YES Program participants and 15 from the A-SMYLE Program were chosen. There were three participants chosen from the Philippines, Snow-Reeham Halud (hosted in Wisconsin) and Abdulrauf Garangan (hosted in Oregon), and myself. The workshop aims to develop leadership skills of the participants and teach them the political or government system of the United States. During the workshop, I was able to learn how the U.S. Government and its three branches work. We were also given the chance to tour all around Washington, D.C. and visit some historical sights/ museums such as: Smithsonian Museum, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, FDR Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, National Art Gallery, and National Library, among others. Another highlight of the workshop is the tour at the Capitol Hill, House of Representatives (Senate and Congress) and the White House. During our stay, we were given the opportunity to sit down and talk to the staff or the congressman and/or senator of our respective host districts. I, along with other Ohio participants, was given the chance to talk to Jenny Walts, a staff of Senator Sherrod Brown, and meet the senator himself. We were also able to meet Congressman Jim Jordan and his legal adviser, Jared Dilley. During a free time, my colleagues and I decided to visit a live public budget hearing for the State Department, and we were able to see the Secretary of State, herself, Ms. Hillary Clinton and several other congressmen and senators. One of the representatives present at that momen was the firstever Fil-Am Congressman, Steve Austria who also happens to be from Ohio. After the hearing I was able to talk to him for a while and we even took a picture together! The session on Fair Elections was held at the State Department Session Hall where we had a discussion with Asst. Secretary of State, Ms. Ann Stock. There, Snow and myself were randomly chosen by the staff to ask questions regarding our hosting programs and the relationships between the Philippines and the United States. For a huge basketball fan like myself, one of the most memorable part of the whole trip was the chance to watch live NBA Game featuring the Washington Wizards and the Orlando Magic. Without a shadow of doubt, Rauf, Snow and myself are all inspired to continue giving back to our communities especially when we get back to our country.
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VolDev Program
WORKSHOP
AFS Philippines Conducts Volunt
GALA NIGHT
rogram Updates
unteer Training “iVoldev 2012”
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AFS Philippines conducted an iVolDev Training for key AFS volunteers on March 2-5, 2012 in Pasay City, Philippines. Participants came from all parts of the country, representing the 16 AFS local chapters. The participants benefitted from different knowledge and skills useful to run AFS programs in their own communities. The underlying principles of the training were the following: • To equip volunteers with the knowledge of Intercultural Learning or ICL (Case Study with Movie Showing) •To provide volunteers the knowledge on AFS IT Processes such as Global Link and online application for AFS Sending Program •To better the Sending and Hosting & VolDev processes on the national and chapter level for efficiency, higher performance and productivity •To introduce new developments in AFS Programs The training was also designed to strengthen the collaboration between the AFS national office and AFS chapters thru P2P Meetings, workshops on Volunteer Motivation, Chapter Commitment; Team Building Activities. The event ended on March 5 with a Fashion Show showcasing the talents and cultures of AFS volunteers from different provinces.
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NH11 Midstay Orientation Hosted Regionally
Hosting Program Updates
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nnovating in 2012, the MidStay Orientation (which used to be held nationally)was hosted simultaneously by select regional chapters situated in the three main regions, Subic (Luzon), Cebu City (Visayas), and Davao City (Mindanao) on January 27-30, 2012. The decision to have the orientation hosted at a regional level is a result of the following: (1) The increase in the number of participants for the Hosting Program, (2) The Volunteer and Chapter Development (VolDev) initiative to empower local volunteers in enabling them to conduct major activities, and (3) Opportunities for chapters to promote AFS Programs at a local level. With the evident increase in the number of hosted participants since 2010, the need to have a focus-group discussion as opposed to convening a larger group has been relevant in addressing participant’s placement status and concerns. Consequently, participants hosted in the same region can easily relate to each other. They are able to create a seemly fitting venue to share their intercultural learning experiences while strengthening a certain bond of friendship amongst themselves. Key volunteers who were invited to facilitate the sessions were able to supplement their knowledge of AFS rules, regulations and procedures and enhance their skills in conducting activities, orientations and camps at a local level. In addition, they were given the opportunity to share best practices with regard to resolving support cases and in establishing a reliable risk management system, all of which being vital in the success of hosting programs. The orientation which featured Intercultural Learning (ICL) sessions, school and local government units also aided the local chapter’s promotion of AFS programs.
In Subic, almost two hundred students were met by the hosted participants from Luzon at Olonggapo City National High School (OCNHS) during the Intercultural Education Expo facilitated by the Subic Bay Chapter. The Mid-stay Orientation is a time for the participants to share their experiences for the past 4-5 months and their concerns about the challenges they may be facing in adjusting to their surroundings. Volunteers and staff who serve as facilitators prepare self-reflection and group activities, which aim to provide students with a deeper understanding of the cultural adjustment process and the enriching experience they can gain from it. It also includes a session on goal-setting, wherein the students will plan their "next steps" and plot the goals that they want to achieve for the rest of their stay to be able to make the most out of their Year Program in the Philippines. Through transferring responsibilities to local volunteers in conducting major activities, the national office looks forward to having empowered and proficient chapters.
Hosting Program Holds End of Stay Orientation for NH11
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n May 17-19, 2012, AFS Hosting Program held a re-entry orientation for NH11 participants before travelling back to their respective countries. The goal of the orientation is to prepare the hosted participants as they face re-adjustment cycle once they leave the Philippines. The three-day event started with a welcome dinner themed “Special Halo-Halo’ symbolizing the mixed cultures of the Philippines represented by the participants hosted in different parts of the country. The evening featured dishes brought or prepared
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by the participants, a video presentation of YPNH11 stories, giving awards to outstanding participants, and awarding of certificates of completion. One of the highlights of the event was the AFS Amazing Race, which was enjoyed by the participants as they were tested according to knowledge and skills. Throughout the orientation, participants learned more on Cultural Adjustment and Coping, Culture Learning, Goals and Expectations. They were also asked to accomplish the CSE and EOS evaluation forms.
Alumni Updates
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K-L YES Alumni Attend International Events 2012 Global Village, SSEAYP, Peace Conference
2012 AFS-USA Summer Internship
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lobal Village for Future Leaders of Business and Industry is a 6-week intensive applied leadership and crosscultural training program in Lehigh University, PA. The program offers various learning experiences that encourage growth to the highest potential, global thinking, ideation, teaming skills and successful entrepreneurial practices. The program teaches attendees essential tools for becoming successful, well-rounded global leaders. During the six week intensive program, the Global Village interns will learn and live amongst a diverse group of more than 100 peers, coming from more than 45 countries, representing a myriad of cultures, speaking multiple languages, and learning and offering unique perspectives based on varied cultural and educational backgrounds. Ridwan Landasan (K-L YES 2005) will be representing the K-L YES Alumni Philippines as one of the chosen 6 scholarship grantees of Lacocca Institute and the US Department of State worldwide. He will leave in the last week of June and come back on the first week of August. Also, Ridwan has been selected by the National Youth Commission to be one of the youth participants of the 39th Ship for South East Asian Youth Program or SSEAYP (an annual diplomatic and cultural exchange program that brings together youth from Japan and ASEAN countries) happening in the last quarter of 2012. Ridwan recently arrived from Hong Kong having attended the 2012 Initiative for Peace Conference Focusing on Mindanao Issues organized by Li Pu Chon United World College of Hongkong from May 25-26, 2012. He is a recepient of Asian Leadership Award and a semi finalist of Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP).
2012 End of Stay Orientation
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nd of Stay Orientation Group Leader volunteer is responsible for working with approximately 10 students for the duration of the orientation, leading them through session content as well as several organized meetings with religious leaders, US Government and Embassy officials. This year, two alumni have been chosen to serve as group leaders at the said orientation, namely, Mazuin Quiachon (K-L YES 2006) and Yamie Fiestada (K-L YES 2005). They will be facilitating group discussion during each orientation session and will be participating fully in all sessions and events, including staff meetings.
FS-USA offers summer internship annually to selected K-L YES alumni. The chosen interns are assigned to different AFS offices int the US such as in Portland, New York, Minnesota, and Baltimore. Tiffany Chan (K-L YES 2004) has been chosen for the internship and will be assigned at the AFS office in New York. Among her responsibilities are to assist with several participant orientations, both sending (Americans abroad) and hosting, taking place in Washington DC and various Gateways. She will contribute to a variety of projects and events taking place during the summer months, serve as a cultural resource to volunteers, staff and participants both prior to and during the orientations, contribute an alumni viewpoint to the orientation content and contribute to analysis of orientations effectiveness with aim of improving future orientations, and others.
YES Alumni Training of Trainers Workshop, Arrival Orientations 2012
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articipants on this alumni opportunity joined the K-L YES 1st and 2nd Arrival Orientations as Group Leaders, and participated in the Training of Trainers Workshop or ToT. ToT is a 5-day intensive training workshop which aims to improve the training and leadership skills capacity of YES Alumni, provide YES alumni with skills and tools necessary to effectively train other alumni upon returning home, and begin formation of a group of YES alumni within each country who can serve as a training resource and take on leadership roles in alumni training and presentation needs. Al-Bari Macalawan (K-L YES 2006) and Minaira Sungan (K-L YES 2008) were selected to join the said workshop and orientations which took place on August 6-24, 2012 in Washington, D.C. Last March, the same workshop had been attended by two alumni: Adzhar Madjid (K-L YES 2009) and Fatima Rona Halud (K-L YES 2009) in Virginia, USA (Please see separate article for Madjid and Halud).
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Editor in Chief Associate Editor Managing Editor Publisher Adviser
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Mahid A. Macadato Armieyah D. Ayob Tisha Lee V. Eduave Elizabeth V. Eduave Rahiema B. Guerra
All inquiries may be addressed to: AFS IPP, Unit 1607 16/F Antel Global Corporate Center, No. 3 Do単a Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center 1600 Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines Printed by SET Graphics & Printing, Inc. 1828 Dian corner Curie Sts., Palanan, Makati City Tel. Nos: 551-8604; 834-2704; 833-3716 E-mail: set_printing@yahoo.com
Telefax: (+632) 584 2002 Email: phi.communications@afs.org Visit our website at: www.afs.ph
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Alumni Updates
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K-L YES Alumni Meet Leslie Bassett Of US EmbassyManila By: Minaira Sungan
From left to right: Solayman Maso, Minaira (K-L YES 2008) Sungan, Nor-ain Kumayog (all from K-L YES 2008), Leslie Bassett, Benjamin Abubakar (K-L YES 2010-11), and Abdulrahman Alongan (K-L YES 2008)
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n May 16, 2012, I, together with 5 other K-L YES Alumni attended a meeting with Deputy Chief of Mission Leslie Bassett of the US Embassy-Manila in Pandag, Maguindanao. It highlighted a roundtable discussion about youth issues under the new government of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. It was held during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a USAID infrastructure project, which supports the US Embassy’s commitment to building networks among alumni of different USG programs. Other US sponsored program alumni were also invited to the said gathering. During the open-forum proper, I acted as the spokesperson of the K-L YES group, though everyone was also given enough time to share their views. While the group shared how the program influenced their chosen career and future plans, I, on the other hand, shared briefly the different Alumni and Community-based activities that we conduct in our local AFS chapter. I mentioned how K-L YES Program helps not only the grantees but our home country, schools and communities as well, in a way that we share what we have learned through intercultural programs and activities such as
symposiums, road shows, volunteer works in different (NonGovernment Organizations) NGOs and (Local Government Units) LGUs in relation to Peace building. The Deputy Chief of Mission Leslie Bassett was also impressed how well and confident we converse using the English Language and how in very young ages, we have already engaged ourselves in Community and Peace Building. She announced that every five years, the embassy does reevaluation of the different programs they offer (on whether or not to continue certain programs, what they can do to improve them and so on). The U.S. Embassy website will also be opening its new section, the "Voices from Mindanao" and every alumni is encouraged to communicate with the embassy and share article about their experience after the program. In fact I have already sent an article and some photos, in relation to this, to Ms. Yoly De Guzman of the U.S. Embassy Cultural Affairs Section. Ms. Yoly and I met at the ARMM Peace Communication Summit at AlNor Convention Center, Cotabato City where I was able to give a brief presentation of the different programs that the AFS Philippines offers as well as the K-L YES alumni projects and activities. The meeting basically concluded with the U.S. Embassy sharing how it does its to communicate with the alumni from different programs in order to establish stronger network amongst us. The Head of the Youth Commission of the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) who is also a CIPYML Alumnus invited us (K-L YES Alumni) to join them in their future projects. I believe this is a good start.
AFS/K-L YES Alumni Participate in Asia Alumni Meet With U.S. Embassy Official at American Corner Pacific Heritage Month Webchat
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n May 19, 2012, eight AFS/K-L YES alumni were invited to Thomas Jefferson Information Center (TJIC) for a webchat on “How to Break into Broadway and the Rise of Comedic Musicals: A Conversation with Filipino American Robert Lopez a Tony and Grammy Award winning Composer and Lyricist.” The attendees which also included the Officers from the Philippine National Council for Disability Affairs (NCDA) actively participated in the webchat which was hosted by the Department of State's Bureau of International Information Programs. (Article from State Alumni Philippines facebook) Photo courtesy of US Embassy
USG Programs Alumni with U.S. Embassy, Manila's Daniel Bischof
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From left: Richmond Jimenez (US Embassy Alumni coordinator), Guill Marc Mariano (K-L YES 2007), Al-B Bari Macalawan (K-L YES 2006), Mahid Macadato (K-L YES 2004), Mark Laurence Cevallos (K-L YES 2005), Ms. Lina Winebrenner (AFS Batch 1956/ AFS IPP Board Member), William Cocks (Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer- US Embassy Manila) Tisha Lee Eduave (AFS PHI Programs Manger), Jennessey Empang (K-L YES 2010), and Norodin Pangilan (K-L YES 2004)
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n May 16, 2012, K-L YES alumni, together with other USG programs alumni met with US Embassy’s Daniel Bischof at the American Corner of MSU Library, Marawi City. The alumni presented great ideas in the meeting about doing more projects across “generations.” They plan to connect with alumni from different years and exchange programs and include them in their annual service activities. They are excited about the Voices from Mindanao project where they will create narratives about the work they are doing. The American Corner was very forward leaning on participating in alumni projects and offered a venue for alumni activities. (Article from State Alumni Philippines facebook)
Alumni Updates
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YES Training of Trainers and ECA Sponsored Programs Workshop Adzhar Madjid (K-L YES 2009) I was selected by AFS Intercultural Programs Philippines to participate in the Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) workshop and Training of Trainers (ToT) 2012, representing the KL YES Alumni Philippines. The events were held on March 7-17, 2012 at Hilton Hotel, Alexandria Old Town, Virginia. March 7-11 is the ECA conference hosted by AFS USA for volunteers and staff involved in implementing Bureau of Education and Culture – US Department of State sponsored programs (Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange, Youth Exchange and Study Program, Future Leaders Exchange, National Security Language Initiative for Youth). This was participated by the different countries around the world, AFS USA staff and Volunteers, US Department of State representatives, YES/NSLI-Y/CBYX/FLEX alumni, and other hosting-partner organizations. The workshop included a Congressional Visit at the US Capitol Hill. As an alumnus, I was able to share some of the alumni activities I organized or participated in, especially my community involvement to the office of the Pennsylvania Congressman. I also shared how the K-L YES Program helped me become better citizen of my country. One of the highlights of the workshop is the International Bazaar – where participating countries put up booths displaying native products. This activity is to allow the AFS USA volunteers and hosting organizations to visit each display and ask questions/clarifications. With me to represent the Philippines corner were Ms. Rahiema “Bonnie” Guerra – AFS IPP Partner Chair/AAI President, Ms. Shalee
V. Eduave – AFS IPP Programs Manager, and Fatima Rona Halud – KL YES alumna 2009-2010. Prior to this activity, a Country Presentation was also conducted where we also got to present about AFS Philippines in general. One of the unforgettable moments on ECA is the cultural evening, where 24 alumni from 13 different countries including us, presented a cultural performance as an alumni group. On March 12-17, I joined the K-L YES Training of Trainers (ToT) with Rona Halud. The main goal of this program is to improve the training and capacity of AFS Staff & Volunteer Trainers; to strengthen the impact and long term effectiveness of AFS training by improving the quantity and quality of that training. Participants of this training were able to identify and describe eleven essential components of effective training design, namely; identifying the Problem (Perceived Need/ Interest), Topic (Perceived Subject), do Assessment (Actual Need/Interest/Subject), Goals (Why?/Purpose), Objectives (Behavioral Results), Content (What to include?), Methodology (How to conduct?), Practice (Try/ Do), Evaluation (Measured Achievement), Application (Implementation), then do the Follow-Up (Retention/ Integration). The training culminated with a trainback session delivered by each of the participants. Truly, this initiative helps the alumni like me to enhance the knowledge and intercultural learning experiences gained during the exchange program. I strongly encourage the K-L YES to apply for the cycles of the training.
Adzhar and Fatima with other ToT participants from different countries at the Potomac River, Old Town Alexandria
Adzhar during the Congressional Visit with Chloe Bowser, Sen. Robert Casey office’s representative (in the middle)
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Sending Program Welcomes Interns
BURANDAY: Life in the Big M Cristine Jan Buranday—JENESYS 2008 Alumna (Fokuoka, Japan) and Bachelor of Arts-International Studies, Major in American Studies student of Ateneo de Davao University is the newest member of the AFS Intercultural Programs-Philippines National Office family, as an intern from April 16 to May 22, 2012. A champion of volunteerism from General Santos City, Cristine has led community service and civic engagements in several parts of the country. Her immersion in the AFS IPP national office being assigned in the Hosting Team, has however, introduced her to a broader perspective of program management and service innovation projects, enabling her to gain practical knowledge of the organization’s daily operation functions. More than anything else, Cristine is also able to experience life in the Big M where rustling traffic, streets of billboards, and busy crowd are nothing but normal routine. She is most amazed how her time seemingly ticks faster which rushes her to catch almost everything, the jeepneys, the train and even the building elevator. It is after all the concrete jungle of the Philippines—Metro Manila. Truly, working and living in the Big M is a challenging but worth remembering experience. Welcome to the AFS-IPP family, Cristine! Cristine also serves as the Local Hosting Coordinator of AFS Davao Chapter. Her internship form part of her requirement as a graduating student of AB-International Studies at the Ateneo de Davao University. She was greatly involve at the preparation and implementation of the End of Stay orientation for NH11.
Boracay Islands: Lucas with other AFS hosted participants in Metro Manila
This year, AFS Philippines welcomed two interns for the sending program: Nils Ahlfeld and Johanna Gail Tongco. Nils Ahlfeld was an AFS exchange student from Germany to the US for one year. He also became an AFS volunteer to Thailand for three months. Nils successfully completed his 6 Week-long internship in the AFS national office from February 19 to March 28, 2012. Johanna Gail Tongco is a senior university student from Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan studying International Studies. She served as an intern in the office for three weeks from April 23 to May 10, 2012.
Lucas at the 2011 Philippine Fashion Week
Lucas in a native Ifugao costume
Why I Chose Philippines For My Internship With AFS Lucas Hengstenberg AFS Philippines Intern from Germany
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hen I was asked one year ago why I wanted to spend eleven months in the Philippines, I replied: “I am not so sure, but I heard that there is a lot of sun and very nice beaches.“ Today, after staying ten months here in Manila, I must admit that the seashore of Manila doesn’t really deserve to be called “beach,” but on the other hand I could list much more, much better reason, why I love the Philippines. Manila is an amazing city with endless possibilities. In contrast to old Europe, it feels great to be in the buzzing center of a booming country. Above all, what makes this country great is the Filipinos. Never before have I experienced such welcoming and easy-going
mentality. Personally I am very lucky for having met really special and awesome people like my host family, my workmates at the AFS Philippines office and many other friends. Recently I was even able to have few days of beach vacation in Boracay. Surely I had the best time of my life. My AFS year as an intern will definitely help me in the future career I will take. The experience I gained is something I would never exchange for anything. And so when somebody asks me today why I will definitely come back to the Philippines, I will reply: “Because I have a lot of great friends here, I enjoy the Filipino mentality and the beaches are also very nice.”