JOURNEY of
Humanitarian Affairs
MANILA CITY Philippines 2013
2 / The Journey of Love
Connecting People with Communities in Need
Philippines 2013 / 3
4 / The Journey of Love
INTRODUCTION
P
icture a mountain of garbage, piles of filth stacked high and spread out for
miles. And amidst this squalor are barefooted little children playing. Perceive families in makeshift shelters, where the odour and sight of grime and dust is an everyday reality.
To visit the Philippines is to never be without friends. Dannielyn Zosa H.A. Youth Ambassador
Now imagine this slum as your home.
This is the Philippines. For the majority of us who have grown up relatively fortunate, it is impossible to envision living a life where there is no roof over our head and our sole surroundings are debris, an ever-growing mound that doesn’t deplete. And yet this is a harsh truth in most developing countries, more so in the archipelago nation of the Philippines. Most people find it hard to reconcile this image with that of the Philippines they knowa dream destination rippled with beauty from its sandy coastlines flanked by aquamarine waters, colourful coral reefs, and emerald rice fields, to its thriving megacities and fiery volcanoes. Philippines 2013 / 5
But where there is abundant splen-
the most. Its vulnerability to natural
dour, behind it is heartbreaking poverty
disasters also gravely affects the living
and misery. The tropical islands of the
conditions in the Philippines.
Philippines have made it a popular
Since 1971, the urban poor have
tourist destination, but economic, environmental and social problems have affected this island nation since the beginning of the postcolonial era. The United Nations states that countless Filipinos lack adequate water, housing, sanitation, education, health and employment- all the basic necessities of life. The Philippines is the 12th most populous country globally with over 88 million people. The rapid increase in population means that many individuals are unemployed and living in dire poverty, and surviving on barely USD2.00 a day.
become a rising share of the total poor population, but still a majority of the poor live in rural areas
where
the
depth of poverty is much more concentrated. In the past four decades, poverty reduction has been
much
slower
than
in
neighboring
coun-
tries
China,
of
Indonesia, Thailand,
There are wide disparities in
and Vietnam. With
income and quality of life across
excessive
regions and sectors in Philippines.
ity rampant across
The number of poor people remains
income brackets, regions, and sectors,
high with 26.5 percent of the total
as well as unmanaged population
population living below the poverty
growth, the efforts to reduce poverty
line. Social inequities are widespread
are constrained.
and impact indigenous people, fisher
Another major factor contributing to
folk, women and the informal sector 6 / The Journey of Love
inequal-
the overpopulation is the birth rate in
Philippines, one of the highest in Asia,
With 1 in every 3 Filipinos living
especially amongst the poorer families
below the poverty line and roughly 30%
who can least afford birth control or
of the population living on USD2.00 or
children. In the slums across the coun-
less a day, our volunteerism project in
try, poor large families are painfully
the Philippines assists those with the
aware of the irony in their situation.
greatest need so that they can look
A majority of the
forward to a better future.
Filipinos are Catho-
Despite all their troubles, Filipinos
lics by faith and hence the Catholic Church is extremely influential as are its dictates, such as the rejection of abortion and birth control. Times are changing and the society is opening up with the Department of Health now being allowed to distribute of
knowledge contraceptive
methods, as well as provide reproductive health services and sex education to millions of Filipinos who would otherwise struggle to afford it. However the pace is slow, and the faith and ways
are considered to be the nicest and cheeriest people in the world. We at Humanitarian Affairs aim to keep the smile on the faces and support them in rebuilding their lives. For this reason we conduct programs in the Philippines where our international volunteers can work towards restoring the foundations of this country. Our work is focused on building capacity in the aftermath of disasters, helping make houses for slum dwellers, and educating children who are deprived of basic needs. Besides providing necessary aid in terms of clean water and food, our volunteers are engaged in projects that enable people to rebuild their lives, livelihoods, and communities.
of many families remain unshaken. Philippines 2013 / 7
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This
s is the Philippines.
TOUCHING HEARTS
C
hoosing to volunteer in the Philippines will open your eyes to a
unique, warm culture of individuals whose lives have been severely affected by poverty and natural disasters. Along
with
construction
and
rebuilding of homes, our Philippines volunteer program in addition aims to fulfil the essential needs of vulnerable sections of society. Through our partnerships with locals and international NGOs, we introduce our volunteers to a cohesive manner by which to together tackle the issue of poverty in the Philippines. We expose them to a carefully planned reach out program: initially by providing the less fortunate with their basic needs such as a roof over their heads, followed by providing nutrition and sustenance through feeding programs, and lastly through teaching children and instilling the importance of education. Philippines 2013 / 9
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BUILDING HOMES
A
n
essential
component
of
the
Philippines program conducted by
Humanitarian Affairs is the volunteer building to
project
build
which
new
homes
will
help
and
struc-
tures in the local slums. About one billion people across the world live in slums and the highest concentration of them can be found in Asia. One tenth of slum
dwellers
alone
live
capital
of
Manila,
in
hoods
like
the
Tondo
in
the
neighbourDistrict.
Today, it is one of the most densely populated places on earth, harbouring 80,000
people
per
square
kilome-
tre. The dearth of a stable home which from
has these
been slum
snatched dwellers
away due
to
poverty or disaster wreckage is a dire need which must be alleviated. Philippines 2013 / 11
We provide the opportunity for youths across the world to work and to create sustainable shelter solutions for poor and homeless communities around the world. Humanitarian Affairs has mobilised more than 300 international volunteers to construct 20 houses for the slum dwellers in the Philippines. As a young leader representing Humanitarian Affairs, you will work together with a large group of youths in volunteering to build homes for the displaced and the destitute. These include a wide range of activities, such as brick laying, excavation, brick hauling, sand sieving and painting. Our volunteers
while
working
have
frequently
been
pleasantly
surprised at being joined by young children who, on seeing so many new faces, wished to pitch in and do their bit. Days are spent becoming familiarised with the locals, from the families they are helping to the construction workers, and time flies by as our volunteers become familiar with local culture and join in the singing of Filipino songs.
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THE EXPERIENCE
A
s
a
volunteer,
moving
or
some
of
making
your
days
bricks
or
may
be
participating
spent in
outreach projects. While such manual labour can be physically exhausting,
you
will
take
pleasure
in
the
knowledge
that your hard work and labour will change the lives of multiple Filipino families by placing a roof over their heads. By
helping
to
set
up
basic
infrastructure,
you
are
laying a foundation that will allow the locals to continue the programs even after your volunteer work has ended. While previous
building
experience
is
not
a
necessity,
you
must
bring with you some positive enthusiasm, along with a healthy working
and
helping
spirit.
Our
volunteers
always
leave
overjoyed in the knowledge that they are contributing to their vision of transforming lives through building responsible and sustainable
communities.
You
too
can
ensure
that
every
Filipino family has a decent place to live in.
By helping to set up basic infrastructure, you are laying a foundation that will allow the locals to continue the programs even after your volunteer work has ended. Philippines 2013 / 13
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OUR MISSION The mission of Humanitarian Affairs is to empower young
people and facilitate those youth who are passionate about positive social change. The organisation was established with a vision to set an action based example for young people interested in making a difference to those less fortunate than themselves. It aims to translate their intention and ideas into action, and provide comprehensive exposure for the development of well-rounded future leaders. Humanitarian Affairs seeks to create a drive and sense of purpose in young leaders by equipping them with the rights skills and tools to spark a generation of dynamic individuals paving the way for the larger social good.
This is the
Philippines.
Philippines 2013 / 15
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
V
olunteers find ways to build
In support of the United Nations
awareness in small yet effec-
Millennium
Development
Goal’s,
tive ways, and contribute to making a
Humanitarian
difference
while
a
education as an essential instrument
connection
with
in
in the eradication of poverty. One
need. Here, you will gain a sense of
of our main objectives is to bring back
compassion
person-
educational facilities to those that
al, first hand interaction with the
have been affected by the disasters
children,
plight
and look after local children while their
and in turn, seek to find ways to
parents try to bring their lives back to
improve the lives of the many other
normal. It may take months for schools
children in need around the world.
and other care centres for children to
Essentially, we wish to show youths
receive help while infrastructure is
how you too can bring a sense of
being repaired. We provide volun-
security, opportunity and happiness to
teers a chance to bridge this need
the lives of these children.
through teaching young children in
from
establishing the
people
your
understand
their
Affairs
considers
the Philippines. Because of the lack of teachers, affordability and limited means, it is difficult for these to receive quality education. We encourage our volunteers to take part in teaching programs, using the varied talents or skills they possess. This type of work ranges from teaching basic education 16 / The Journey of Love
We wish to show you too can bring a sense of security, opportunity and happiness to the lives of these children.
This is the Philippines.
Philippines 2013 / 17
in
The to
futu
dre
the
the be
lear
like
W
in m
chil
Affa
wor
cati
mos
fate
chil
inte
O
deli
18 / The Journey of Love
math,
English,
science,
and
health.
e ability to read and speak English will go on help these children improve upon their
ure.
en
You
can
assist
the
grasp
the
basics
younger
whilst
chil-
supporting
e older students in improving their skills and
eir confidence speaking the language. You can creative
with
your
teaching
to
make
rning fun and also teach other subjects,
e music or sports.
SAVE THE CHILDREN
W
e also organise programs which advocates the importance of literacy based programs
making a difference to the lives of disadvantaged
ldren. Over a 100 youths from Humanitarian
airs have participated in our project ‘Sunshine’
rking to provide relief, medical care and edu-
ion to help rebuild the lives of those who are
st vulnerable - the young victims of a cruel
e. Come spend some quality time at the various
ldren
home
where
you
can
play
and
eract with the disadvantaged children.
Our volunteers have spent many happy days
ighting
the
children
through
their
Philippines 2013 / 19
improvisations. Unleash your ingenuity and imagination as you organise games and fun learning techniques that entertain the children and bond with them through activities and songs. Familiarise them to the English language through storytelling and role playing in artistic ways. Through this experience, our volunteers realise that simple gestures that put a smile on a child’s face are not so insignificant and meagre after all. These children, who have lost so much, cherish the time spent with each volunteer
who
visits
them.
You
have the chance to make them feel special again. As a volunteer you will be rewarded by providing emotional in addition to basic care and educational support to disadvantaged children.
20 / The Journey of Love
Philippines 2013 / 21
O
ur in
for c
to work w
Vision Phi
of the poo
public eng
Our vol designing
on reachin
This jarrin
grave issu
and visible
Volunte
clothes, b
confide to
the one-o
spend som
about chil
gestures a
22 / The Journey of Love
WORLD VISION
nternational volunteers are also encouraged to seek to provide a better life
children and their families in the Philippines. Humanitarian Affairs selects
with organisations that share its philosophy and vision. We supported World
ilippines, by sending 200 of our global volunteers to improve the well-being
or and vulnerable children through sustainable development practices, and
gagement by raising awareness and advocacy.
lunteers engaged in creative activities such as mural painting on walls and children’s rights posters. In their first encounter, they experienced a shock
ng the World Vision building which was adjacent to the slums in Manila.
ng juxtaposition was important for them to view and realise that poverty is a
ue and it lives on in the margins unless you give it the dignity of making it a real
e concern.
eers were greeted by children from the slums who had dressed in their best
beautifully depicting how these moments are special to them. They often
o us that their most enjoyable and unforgettable memories are those from
on-one interaction on being paired with a child. As a volunteer, you too can
me quality time together with a Filipino child and design innovative posters
ldren’s rights all the while forming a close, memorable bond. After all, simple
and things like drawing speak louder than words in making a tie.
This is the Philippines. Philippines 2013 / 23
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FINDING MEANING IN LIFE
H
ave you felt like there is something missing from your life? Are you looking to find
meaning? The Philippines Volunteer Program with Humanitarian Affairs will offer you a comprehensive volunteering experience by which you can help restore hope in the lives of the vulnerable in this community. There are countless opportunities that will not only open your eyes to a fresh, vibrant culture but also make an impact on local communities. And while some of the projects can be challenging, the positive impact you can make as a volunteer is something that stays with you and with them for the rest of your lives. Volunteering in the Philippines presents an amazing prospect for you to visit one of the most beautiful places in the world, and contribute in a significant way. Philippines 2013 / 25
T
his might be the first time you are volunteering or visiting Philippines or even travelling to Asia.
We’ve chosen countless volunteers who have been hesitant and nervous about taking this leap. But each volunteer, whether a novice or experienced, has in the end expressed finding this a journey of inspiration, learning and incredible adventure.
Open yourself to a new experience, turn your dreams into reality‌ Live and learn in this remarkable blend of culture, people, language and scenic backdrops.
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Philippines 2013 / 27
Connecting People with Communities in Need
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