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The Courage of the Past Pupils of the FMA
Th e Courage of the Past Pupils of the FMA
By Ms. Kathleen Iza Pagkalinawan
When NCR was placed under community quarantine in March 2020, we felt like we were trapped. The Association had existing plans and projects that we wanted to implement, but we didn’t know where to start and how to mobilize. The pandemic has impacted all aspects of our work. Running programs, acquiring partners and fi nancial support, collaborating with other past pupils and volunteers all proved to be diffi cult. Despite not wanting to sit back and stay safe in our own homes, we were left with very little freedom because of the protocols in place. Even then, we would always think about what we can do and how to ensure that our projects will fi nd a way to our benefi ciaries.
The challenges brought by Covid-19 paved the way for us to think about innovative ways and new opportunities to reach out to our past pupils and continue on with our mission.
Once we have set our minds into not letting this pandemic stop us from doing what we can do, we needed only to put faith in God who has always provided, our Lady who has always interceded, and to heed the words of St. Mary Mazzarello to have courage to withstand it all.
FUND DRIVES
The pandemic has shifted priorities of people and organizations to help. While funding and support may be limited, the needs and the work continue to pile up. Since our funds are sourced mostly from individual donations, we had to rethink of how we connect and how we support our connections. Much eff ort was exerted in personally contacting past pupils and donors through instant messaging, emails, and social media. Through
these eff orts, we were able to raise funds for the victims of Typhoon Rolly, Quinta, and Ulysses, and the fl ood in Victorias.
DIGITAL SCHOLARSHIP
The transition to online learning and home-schooling posed a threat to some students. While they can barely aff ord to buy notebooks and books, they now have to provide themselves with computers or tablets and internet connection at home. Hence, a Phablet Drive was launched to provide these
Hence, a Phablet Drive was launched to provide these students with the equipmentthat they need to continue their schooling.
students with the equipment that they need to continue their schooling. Scholars from as far as Laguna, Cebu, and Negros received their phablets and wi-fi routers just in time for school.
Communication, Collaboration, and Formation
Since we cannot meet face-to-face, we have also found ways to adapt by using available technology for our meetings, assemblies, fellowship, and formation. Using conferencing and social media platforms, we have been in contact with past pupils not only in the country but in other parts of the world at almost no cost. We have also participated and helped organize events at the world level with other members of the Salesian Family and with the Confederation.
We’ve had homecomings, general assemblies, formation of offi cers and delegates, election of offi cers in the local unions which were better attended now that they are happening remotely. Recently, we have conducted our annual Lenten Recollection, “Cross Encounters,” using a module prepared by the Federation. It was broadcasted via Facebook Live and through Zoom. As the Past Pupils of the FMA adapted to the constraints of the pandemic, we have strengthened our resilience by supporting each other. It is our mission to continue to fi nd new ways and opportunities to reach out to and help those in need, for we are “hands in the world with our roots in the heart.”
