The team behind Goducate Training Centre
Goducate is undertaking to build a Training Centre in Iloilo… the 5th largest city in Philippines. The choice of the location, a city I have not heard of until recently, is well-thought out – the availability of good human resources, experts in various fields. No wonder, after Manila, Iloilo has the most number of Universities in the Philippines.
Much have been written in other blogs about the work-in-progress of the Goducate Training Centre. The once forest-like land, with unwieldy vegetation and poor irrigation & drainage, now, three months old, transforming into an organized plantation with its own water supply system. Subsequent phases will focus on programs to create and attract wholesome family entertainment. All with the view that this Training Centre will nurture agriculturalists with natural crop-enhancing techniques, and, be self-supporting for the long run.
Together with a team of four, we were privileged to visit the site a couple of weeks ago and be led by the architect of the project, Victor. He is a Researcher on coconut trees, including my personal favorite, the fleshy Macapuno. He took us up and down the hilly area, the size of 7 football fields. The slopping agriculture land is being prepared for various fruit-bearing trees. The nursery, the hybrid rice plantation, the chicken farm and the compost for producing organic fertilizers. The multi-purpose hall. All these require different knowledge and skill sets. We were introduced to several of these talents, each expert in his/her own rights, such as Forestry, Soil (scientist), Vermi-composting, Camp Development etc.
I would like to record my impressions about the team members who are involved in the project and the prevailing team spirit.
First, Ownership. Apparently, no one needs to be told what to do. Each of them take ownership not just of their own turf, but also, of the overall outcome for the project. And may I add, with a sense of honor.
Next, Passion. Each step they take, you could almost see a spring in it. They are passionate in what they do and it shows. They speak with conviction as they elaborate on how they prepare the land or the seedlings and what the anticipated outcome will be. Always with the view that what is sowed, will reap returns. Including financial returns.
Thirdly, Knowledge. They know what they are doing. They have deep and extensive knowledge base, on individual basis and combined. After an encounter with them, you can easily place your confidence in their expertise.
Lastly, Team spirit. Though each person is individually competent, they all work as a team.
They have a common mission. One could sense the healthy and happy spirit. A cohesive and cooperative work environment. All excited to see the same dream come true.
You know, the greatest impact on me is to realize that they are all volunteers. Selflessly contributing towards preparing a facility for the needy to acquire livelihood skills so that they can eventually help themselves.
* Chen Hui Liang has held senior management positions in MNCs and is currently in business growth consulting.