Background
The PHI International Volunteer Program takes the 4 imperatives of the JPIC document Being Artisans of Hope in Our Blessed and Broken World as guiding spirit.
On Imperative 1, Washing one anothers feet, the volunteer program seeks to level off the imbalance of knowledge in different areas: cultures, differences in language, use of information, different capacities in roles and services entrusted to us, economic status-access to funds, among others. At the same time impart our own richness to those who come to us.
On Imperative 2, Transforming and being transformed, volunteers coming to the Philippines live in a community where mutual transformation is to happen in the interaction with the people whom the RSCJs and mission partners work and serve with.
On Imperative 3, Care for our Common Home, the words of Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si, are put foward: The cry of the earth and the cry of the poor (#49). It is always the poor who suffer most from the degradation of the earth. As educators for justice, we are committed to reflection, critical analysis and action in order to effect changes in the root causes and systems that endanger our planet and those who are most vulnerable"
And, on Imperative 4, Welcoming People on the Move, many Filipinos, even not on the move, find themselves in a situation of fear and helplessness, as people on the move experience. The volunteers can also be exposed to these situations of people who do not feel secure in many ways: no job, no house of their own, no one to turn to in moments of great need, because government systems to take care of its people do not function. In all this, volunteers coming can experience life with our people who are in the same predicament of being unsettled because of socio-economic-political dilemma.
Activities
- Pre-departure/arrival: Volunteer is given general orientation to the Philippines, and the place where s/he will be assigned. Initial exchange of information can take place even before the volunteer comes.
- On site: A follow up person (an RSCJ or another person) will be assigned to the volunteer for a guide in the ministry and other matters of daily life. The frequency of meeting with the follow-up person depends on the need of the volunteer and mutual availability of both parties. During the pandemic, we have seen that if there is a need for a follow up, even with an RSCJ or another person not present in the place where the volunteer lives, online communication is possible.
- Pre-departure: Integration days as the volunteer ends his/her stay, quiet days, writing reflections evaluation (written and sharing/feedbacking/thanksgiving celebration for the volunteer farewell).
People being served
People being served : Agents of transformation (Educators)
Age group : Adults 26-60, Young people 18-25
Schedule
Project status : Ongoing
Images
Overview
Society presence : Philippines
Focus of the project : People
JPIC Imperative : Transforming and Being Transformed
UN Sustainable Development Goals : 17 Partnerships for the Goals
