Because
of the Covid-19 pandemic, education in the Philippines had to switch from being
delivered physically in schoolrooms to going online. However, many students
struggled with their online classes because of unstable or no internet
connections, or had difficulty paying for their mobile data.
A survey was done among Goducate scholars to identify those who had difficulty with their online classes because of poor internet connection. Goducate has now provided pocket Wi-Fis for 15 Goducate scholars, as well as a SIM card enough for a month’s use. Goducate is grateful to the sponsors who provided the funds for these instruments.
*Our guest writer is Gemma Abrenilla, a staff of Camp Goducate Laguna.
Life in East Malaysia was hard, especially for me and my siblings, who were “undocumented aliens” there, and thus not entitled to state schooling. I had been born in a part of the Philippines where there was much civil strife, but brought at age 9 to East Malaysia by my parents, who went to seek work and a peaceful life.
For many years I envied the children in my village going to school every day in their uniforms and with their schoolbags. Life became brighter when Goducate volunteers from the Philippines arrived in our village. They taught mothers to teach literacy and numeracy, and later established a schoolhouse in our neighborhood. I was among the excited unschooled children who rushed to the schoolhouse. I studied there for two years before being given the privilege to join the teaching-facilitators training and becoming volunteer assistant teacher, helping to teach literacy to other children. I am so grateful to Goducate, for bringing us hope, teaching us to love education, and encouraging us to pursue our dreams in life.
In 2014, although it was hard to be separated from my parents, I decided to go to the Philippines to pursue my studies.
While doing this course, I also did some Goducate community work. Participating in Goducate’s Health Information Drive, I visited families and communities, taking and monitoring blood pressures, as well as sharing with people the nutritional benefits of Malunggay (Moringa). This community work has blessed me with confidence in dealing with and adjusting easily to people.
I faced many struggles, but I survived and adjusted well with the help of my parents and Goducate people. Goducate’s tagline is Helping Asians Help Themselves, and it has challenged me to help people regardless of who they are.
I was very pleased to receive a special award for “Best in On the Job Training”. And April 2, 2019, was a very memorable day for me. As I went up on stage to receive my Diploma, I was thankful to all who supported and encouraged me to pursue my dream. I thought of that village in East Malaysia, which challenged me to be an inspiration to other children and youth so that they too can dream and pursue their dream.
I am now working in a famous megamall in Iloilo and earning a stable income. As a wage earner, I am doing my best to help my family out of poverty and to ensure that my siblings will also finish their education.
Angelica during Graduation Apr 2019
Angelica receiving her special award
*Our guest writer is Angelica Amodia. She was a Goducate scholar. Goducate scholars are deserving students who receive some financial help from Goducate for their tertiary education in the Philippines.
The Goducate scholarship program has been running for a few years for students from Laguna, Philippines. Recently it was extended to students from two other places –the island of Tambaliza, and central Iloilo. So arrangements were made for the scholarship holders from Laguna to meet the others, to learn from and to encourage each other.
The Laguna team preparing a meal to share with the Tambaliza scholars
The scholarship program enables students who otherwise cannot afford it to obtain a tertiary education. In return, scholarship holders help out with Goducate programs.
One group of Laguna scholarship holders visited the 13 from central Iloilo, and another visited the 6 from Tambaliza.
The 6 males who are the Goducate scholars from Tambaliza
Tambaliza Island is also known as the Pan de Azucar. This island is one of the 17 variously inhabited and uninhabited islands that come under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Concepcion in North-eastern Iloilo. Tambaliza is known for Mount Pan de Azucar (Mount Sugarloaf), a steep volcanic cone. The main means of livelihood on this island is fishing.
The Laguna students who visited the homes of the Tambaliza students learnt of the financial hardships faced by the latter. Most did not go home for weekends. Instead, after paying for various university fees and projects, they used the remaining money for food instead of for travel home. The Tambaliza students also shared about their challenges with their studies.
At the home of Tambaliza scholar (guy in blue shirt), with his sister (centre in purple top)
This trip was an eye-opener for the students from Laguna. It made them realize how privileged they are to be living in Laguna. What they learnt has greatly motivated them to study hard and to start dreaming of being able to help the needy on Tambaliza Island.
