Goducate … Go And Educate! – Page 186 – Helping Asians Help Themselves

2011-04-202011-04-21

Goducate Training Center’s “soft launch”

On April 9, 2011 we held a “soft launch” for Goducate Training Center in Iloilo, Philippines.

About 200 Goducate supporters and friends (including a dozen from Singapore and Australia) joined us for this occasion to celebrate the completion of Phase 1A of GTC’s development. We had had our ground-breaking in June 2010. So we have completed Phase 1A in 10 months of hard, efficient work.

Phase 1A includes all the basic infrastructure of security fencing, land development, road system, irrigation system, basic agricultural and aqua-cultural developments, office and classrooms, simple trainee accommodations, camp-site, and basic revenue-earning activities.

The main event for the soft launch was held in the canteen of the multipurpose hall, and other events were held in the activity field, agricultural area, camp-site, and restaurant.

We will be taking in our “pilot” batch of 20 over trainees at the end of April. They will be trained for about 6 months in the basic skills needed to help poor communities to help themselves.

The future of Goducate depends on its ability to train the right type of workers who will help needy Asians help themselves. Therefore, GTC is a vital part of Goducate’s future!

photo(35) — Entrance to Multi-purpose Hall which has main hall, dining hall, offices and training rooms.

photo(36) — Guests in Dining Hall of Multi-purpose Hall.

2011-04-182018-09-23

Lifepegs members learn about volcanology

Around 30 members ventured into the wilderness to learn about and to explore volcanoes. The two-hour bus ride gave them a chance to chat and to play some exciting games. Upon arrival, as they piled off the bus and gazed up to see the volcano, several students probably doubted their decision to join the trip. It was not going to be an easy climb.

However, their fears were soon dispelled as the whole team began using a rope to climb up the mountain safely. Everyone encouraged one another to overcome the challenging obstacle, and even though the hike was tiring for some, it was exhilarating for all. The pristine blue sky provided a beautiful backdrop for the volcanic handiwork before us, and the cool breeze assured all that the air was fresh and crisp. We conquered the volcano!

Before the climb the students listened to a lesson about the formation of volcanoes. They learned that heated magma below the earth becomes lava when it erupts onto the surface of the earth to form a volcano. Furthermore, they learned about the various stages of a volcano—active, dormant, and extinct. They were also relieved to learn that the volcano on which they were hiking was definitely not an active volcano.

The day’s activities also included a picnic lunch and some group games. Overall, the participants had a fantastic time learning about nature, specifically volcanoes. They also learnt teamwork and how to interact with each other.

Guest writer Matt, Volunteer from China

2011-04-15

Goducate Orchestra Plays For Mayor

On March 19, the Goducate Orchestra provided the music at the birthday of the Mayor of Bay, Laguna, and the wedding of 64 couples. The Mayor had sponsored this mass wedding. That day was the day our orchestra wore the new uniforms that the Mayor had promised he would sponsor when we played for the town last December.

After the ceremony we were invited to join him for dinner at his office, where he shared with us that our playing for him made it one of his most memorable days. And as a birthday gift, we did not charge him for our services!