I have always admired the vision and mission behind Gawad Kalinga, the same reason why I have chosen to become a Human Nature dealer and that is to support their advocacy in uplifting Filipinos and promoting values essential in nation building. As proven there is always joy found in giving part of yourself and what you have to others. This had been one of my long time dreams, that is to become a volunteer. I had been a GK volunteer in 2008 in GK Los Banos, a newly built community at that time. My friends and I decided to join in building up their Sibol Community which is like a Day Care in the barangays. The stint was short but a meaningful one though. Volunteering is still in my bucket list of thing to do, and whenever I will get the chance, I will do it again.
For April 2012, Gawad Kalinga has launched its annual Bayani Challenge 2012 :
Every year since 2006, Gawad Kalinga has staged the GK Bayani Challenge, a 5-day test of courage, endurance and love for country. Teams of 15 people go on an adventure to plant hope on ground by building communities and fostering friendships that are critical to nation-building.
The urgent call of building this nation will be answered once again this April 9-14. This year’s Bayani Challenge will gather volunteers not only in one but in FIVE provinces around the country. “PILIPINAS, NGAYON NA!” will challenge more volunteers to change lives, bring hope to others, and build sustainable communities in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Masbate, Mindoro Occidental and two areas in Negros Oriental (Dumaguete and Amlan). We invite you take this unique opportunity as an individual or as a group of 15 (or more). Register online and choose among the following activities:
1. Building of homes
Build an actual home for a family and experience everything from laying the foundation, attaching the roof, painting the walls, and landscaping.
2. Paraisong Pambata
Create an environment of fun and learning for children aged 6 to 10 years old through feeding programs, story-telling sessions, games, and a Sports Clinic.
3. School Build
Make public schools conducive to learning by refurbishing rooms, painting walls, landscaping gardens, and repairing tables and chairs.
4. Environment
Be a hero for the environment by planting trees and organizing clean-up drives.
5. Community Health
Share the importance of health by conducting a nutrition program, medical check-ups and health consultations among the different barangays.
We will cap off each spirited and fulfilling day with the following activities:
• Blogging Rights Day: Sharing of experiences and inspiring stories of heroism.
• Empowerment Talks: After-dinner talks and sessions to process the experience and harness the heroism in everyone.
• Kalinga Night: Brings together the volunteers for a night of celebration and commitment.
Aside from this exciting line-up, we will also be hosting a series of SPECIAL EVENTS this year:
• Bayanihan Race: Teams will compete in a unique race around the island.
• Master Kusinero: The team that cooks the best dish using an endemic ingredient from the island will be rewarded.
• Concert: At the end of the Bayani Challenge, we will celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime experience through a culminating activity that will feature bands and other exciting surprises.
Hurry and register here as slots are on a first come, first served basis.
If you are interested to share yourself for a meaningful 5days from April 4-9 you can check the schedule of events
here and if you decided to do it you can read the registration details in this
link. For other inquiries and information, you can visit this event's
FAQ Page.
So are you up for the challenge?
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