INTERACTIVE LEARNING EXCURSIONS
INTERACTIVE LEARNING EXCURSIONS
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GEDSI-liency: A Collaborative Journey towards Inclusive Climate Action
A unique component of the Regional GEDSI Alumni Leadership Summit is the Interactive Learning Excursions to partner organisations and alumni-led programs supporting GEDSI and community resilience. These immersions will include a talk and a visit to institutions led by staunch advocates and beneficiaries of organisations at the forefront of resiliency and inclusion. These will provide interactive and engaging learning experiences for participants as they immerse themselves in practical and concrete action-driven solutions.
Please wear appropriate, comfortable outdoor clothes and shoes and bring your bamboo water tumbler.
Participants may only choose one (1) Interactive Learning Excursion for the Summit.
Note: The immersion routes include activities like walking and certain establishments may pose accessibility challenges. If you require assistance or have health-related concerns, please don't hesitate to contact our team. We are committed to ensuring that everyone will have a meaningful participation.
Interactive Learning Excursions - Day 1
9 September 2024, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Independent Living Learning Center (ILLC)
Independent Living Learning Center (ILLC)
Established in 2003 by Australia Awards alumnus Prof Abelardo Apollo David, Jr., the Independent Living Learning Center (ILLC) is a specialized educational institution dedicated to empowering individuals with developmental conditions. It provides a nurturing and supportive environment where students can reach their full potential and develop essential life skills. What started with just four students in a small rented property in Mandaluyong City, ILLC is now the biggest special education school in the Philippines with branches in Cebu and Davao. As ILLC’s Executive Director, Prof David leads a team of highly qualified teaching and clinical staff.
The ILLC's comprehensive programs are designed to foster independence, self-advocacy, and social integration. Through individualized instruction, therapeutic interventions, and practical training, students are equipped to navigate various life situations with confidence and resilience. The school's commitment to creating an inclusive and empowering community is evident in its safe and nurturing environment, experienced educators, and personalized support services. By providing a strong foundation for personal growth and development, the ILLC empowers its students to become active and contributing members of society.
During the excursion, participants can expect an enriching experience touring the ILLC facility and learning more about the organisation’s efforts towards helping students with developmental conditions as well as their continued partnership with the local government of Mandaluyong City.
Notes:
The venue may pose a challenge to participants with mobility concerns.
In case of inclement weather on the day, activities will be conducted indoors or in a covered area.
Alumni Host: Prof Abelardo Apollo David, Jr.
Founder and Executive Director, Independent Living Learning Centre (ILLC)
Master of Occupational Therapy (Contemporary Practice)
University of Queensland, 2001 (Australia Awards)
Prof Abelardo Apollo David Jr, or “Teacher Archie”, is an occupational therapist and educator who has dedicated his career to creating inclusive education and development opportunities for differently-abled children across the Philippines. He founded the Independent Living and Learning Centre, Academia Progresiva de Manila and the Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Adults and Children with Handicap (REACH) Foundation, which sets up community-based rehabilitation programs in poor and remote communities. These organisations have helped over 2,200 Filipino youth with disabilities through inclusive curriculums and interventions such as medical, therapy, educational, recreational, and vocational services.
Prof. David also founded Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Adults and Children with Handicap (REACH) Foundation in 2005 and Academia Progresiva de Manila in 2013, which sets up community-based rehabilitation programs in poor and remote communities. The REACH Foundation offers free quality occupational, physical and speech therapy and related services to people with disabilities through community-based programs in partnership with public and private institutions to establish CBR and TeletheraFREE programs to make care accessible especially for the underprivileged. Academia Progresiva de Manila is a vibrant progressive and inclusive learning community for preschool and elementary students that provides innovative programs and systems to allow students from various backgrounds to learn harmoniously with each other.
In partnership with the Local Government of Mandaluyong City, the REACH Foundation spearheaded the conceptualization and implementation of Project Therapy, Education and Assimilation of Children with Handicap or Project TEACH, a community-based rehabilitation program that directly benefits youth with disabilities residing in depressed areas. The program emphasizes empowerment and transfer of knowledge by providing appropriate training activities to parents to enable them to assist in the implementation of therapy and educational programs at home. To ensure the quality of services, they work under the close supervision of licensed therapists and special education teachers.
Tahanang Walang Hagdanan Inc.
Tahanang Walang Hagdanan Inc.
Tahanang Walang Hagdanan Inc. (TWHi), which translates to “House Without Stairs/Steps”, founded in 1973 is dedicated to uplifting the lives of individuals with orthopedic disabilities. TWHi operates a rehabilitation centre that provides individuals with the necessary resources to regain or improve their physical abilities.
In addition, they offer sheltered workshops where participants can learn valuable skills that will enable them to become productive and self-reliant members of society. These workshops equip individuals with practical knowledge in various fields, empowering them to secure future employment and create a brighter future for Filipinos with orthopedic disabilities.
The learning excursion includes a tour of the TWHi facility and a brief disability sensitivity training to raise awareness and provide an understanding of the concepts of disability and disability rights. Participants will also have hands-on experience trying some of the workshops that TWHi offer to PWDs such as medicine packing and woodcraft polishing and finishing.
Notes:
In case of inclement weather on the day, activities will be conducted indoors or in a covered area.
Alumni Host: Ramon Rey Apilado
Administrative Manager, Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. (TWHi)
Master of Social Change and Development
University of Newcastle, 2016 (Australia Awards)
Ramon rose above his physical limitations to find independence and rediscover himself. Ramon has worked at the Tahanang Walang Hagdan (TWH) for over a decade. He defines PWD as a Person with Determination, and his work proves that with courage and dedication, anyone can make a change for himself and others. He wishes to bring accessibility to his university campus and streets in Australia to the Philippines. Today, Mon continues to raise funds and do public relations for TWH to help out more PWDs.
Payatas Garden of Hope
Payatas Garden of Hope
Note: Due to the recent typhoon, the Payatas Garden of Hope excursion will no longer be feasible. In lieu, participants will have a learning exchange session with the mothers who keep the Payatas Garden of Hope alive and thriving. The session will be conducted in Monet Ballroom 1.
In 2021, a group of women in Payatas turned an 800sqm of empty land into a thriving produce garden for its community. The Payatas Women Food Producers Association (PWFPA) composed of 200 women established the Payatas Garden of Hope and proved to be a powerful example of community and women empowerment. With the help of the AGREA Foundation and its partners, the women transformed their lives through urban farming.
With training and financial literacy programs, they secured savings accounts, put food on their tables, and even generated income from their gardens. Their commitment to sustainability is also evident in their upcycling of over 12,500 plastic bottles for garden use.
The impact of the program extends far beyond individual households. The association's produce also nourishes and feeds 200 children through the AGREA Rescue Kitchen. WFPA-Payatas inspired 45 more sites in the Philippines to create their own Garden of Hope. Their success story is a beacon of collaboration, inspiring private, public, and civil society to work together.
Alumni Host: Cherrie Atilano
Founding Farmer and Social Entrepreneur, AGREA Agricultural Systems International, Inc.
Australian-ASEAN Emerging Leaders Program (A2ELP) - Social Cohort Enterprise Acceleration Short Course, University of Melbourne 2016
Cherrie is the Founding Farmer, CEO and President of AGREA Agricultural System International, Inc., a for-purpose and inclusive business that is creating the first replicable one-island economy that is zero hunger, zero waste, and zero insufficiency, - through the ‘Ecology of Dignity’ approach. AGREA aims to help eradicate poverty for farming and fishing families in order to alleviate the effects of climate change and strengthen food security in the Philippines.
Interactive Learning Excursions - Day 2
10 September 2024, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
2KK Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid Foundation
2KK Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid Foundation
Payatas, Quezon City
Payatas, Quezon City
Note: Excursion on site will no longer be feasible. In lieu, participants will have a learning exchange session to be conducted in Degas, 3rd Floor, Novotel Manila.
The 2KK Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid Foundation is a youth-run non-profit organisation that creates sustainable communities through education and empowerment for underprivileged Filipino youth. Founded by a group of teenagers, including Australia Awards alumna Kritzia Santos, in 2003 after the Payatas landslide tragedy, the group started organising weekend activities with the children in the area. Grounded by the spirit of helping one another through kindness and love, 2KK envisions a community of volunteers working together to empower the underprivileged youth by providing opportunities to enrich their education.
2KK formed two programs that respond to the learning needs of the underprivileged Filipino youth: (1) the Kapatid Program, which is a weekly values formation session for children from kinder to grade school, with volunteers teaching “life lessons” to their younger “kapatids” or siblings; and (2) the Yaman Ang Pag-aralin Ang Kabataan (YAPAK) Scholarships Program which focuses on raising educational funds through sponsorships for the chosen children of Payatas for different types of effective life skills training, leadership skills and personal development workshops.
The Kapatid Program has been organizing activities for over 120 children in 2KK’s partner communities in Payatas, Escopa and Sampaloc. The Yapak Scholarship program now supports the educational needs of 65 Kapatid scholars for 2018-2019 from elementary, high school to college and has had six college graduates that are practicing in the field of nursing, tourism and the sciences.
During the excursion, participants will be greeted by 2KK’s youth leaders themselves to share their stories of volunteerism from Yapak Leadership formation to the various efforts they did during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Nanays (mothers) partners of 2KK will also share their experience in building and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
Notes:
The venue may pose a challenge to participants with mobility concerns;
In case of inclement weather on the day, activities will be conducted in Novotel Manila Araneta City
Alumni Host: Christianne Santos
Founder, 2KK Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid Foundation
Social Transformation Manager, WeGen Philippines
Master of Social Work, University of Melbourne (2014) and Regional Women’s Leadership Initiative (2019) (Australia Awards)
Since childhood, Christianne has been able to witness that through simple and small acts of kindness, great and lasting changes can be made. Empowered by this, she founded the 2KK Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid Foundation in 2003, a non-profit organisation that creates sustainable communities through education, values formation and empowerment of underprivileged children and youth. 2KK aspires to show the youth that there is hope despite the injustice, apathy, and mediocrity that poverty has created. Upon completing her studies in Australia, Christianne scaled the reach and partnerships, which has benefitted more children, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Muslim Town
Muslim Town
Quiapo Muslim Town is a vibrant and culturally rich district in Manila, Philippines. It is home to a significant Muslim population and serves as a hub for Islamic religious and cultural activities.
The district's centrepiece is the Golden Mosque, a beautiful and iconic structure with its golden dome and minarets. Visitors can admire the intricate Islamic architecture and learn about Muslim traditions and practices.
Quiapo Muslim Town is also known for its bustling market, where you can find a variety of goods, from traditional clothing and handicrafts to spices and fresh produce. The area is a melting pot of cultures, and you'll find a diverse range of people and businesses.
The tour will provide a better understanding and develop deeper appreciation of the Filipino Muslim people, their history and culture, thus fostering peace and friendship, rather than prejudice and biases. In the 2-hour tour, participants will be introduced to the rich history of Islam in the Philippines and Quiapo Muslim Town, including a feast of Maranao food and delicacies and discussion about Halal fashion. Participants will also have a chance to enter the historic golden mosque and talk with the local imam or the head of Muslim community.
Notes:
The venue may pose a challenge to participants with mobility concerns.
Women must wear a hijab or any form of scarf covering the head to allow entry.
Food options in the area might not be able to accommodate participants with specific dietary restriction/s.
In case of inclement weather, the GEDSI Secretariat will assign participants to other available excursion sites or knowledge exchange sessions.
Alumni Host: Amanah Lao
Shari'ah Counselor at Law
Development Management Officer, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.
Master of Human Rights Law and Policy
University of New South Wales, 2012 (Australia Awards)
Having passed the 2018 Special Bar Examinations for the Shari'ah Courts held in January, Amanah is now a Shari'ah counselor-at-law. She joins the ranks of about 1,000 who have passed the exams since 1983, when they were first given. Amanah is passionate about Women's Rights and Empowerment and has been working on projects that uphold Muslim women's economic status in the family and in the community.
Through Meaningful Travels PH, established by another Australia Awards alumna, Anne Marie Cunanan, Amanah extends her knowledge of the rich tradition of the Filipino Muslim Culture by providing guided tours of the Muslim Town of Quiapo, Manila.
La Mesa Ecopark
La Mesa Ecopark
Photo from https://news.abs-cbn.com/
Nestled within the La Mesa Watershed Reservation in Quezon City, La Mesa Ecopark offers a refreshing escape from Metro Manila's urban jungle. Spanning 33 hectares, this public park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, boasting diverse flora and fauna.
Beyond leisure, La Mesa Ecopark plays a vital role in environmental education. Visitors can participate in interactive programs that promote watershed protection and climate action. The park is continuously adding engaging attractions that raise awareness and inspire visitors to become responsible stewards of the environment.
Note:
In case of inclement weather, the GEDSI Secretariat will assign participants to other available excursion sites or knowledge exchange sessions.
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