Catholic Regional College North Keilor (CRCNK) embarked on a life-changing immersion trip to the Philippines. The members of the trip included two staff members, Mariel Muyco and Jason Hunter and eight Year 9 students who volunteered four days to work with the Canossian Daughters of Charity in Tondo and seven days with Gawad Kalinga in Alapan.
With the Gawad Kalinga immersion, the volunteers did build homes and feeding programs. Volunteers were tasked with setting up the building foundation known as ‘ground zero’, which required great endurance and strength. Volunteers worked tirelessly in the 37-degree heat alongside local community members. The program emphasized teamwork, perseverance, and the power of collective action. Volunteers witnessed first-hand the impact of their efforts on underprivileged families as they helped construct safe and dignified homes. The joy and gratitude expressed by these families are a constant reminder of the profound impact they can have on the lives of others. The experience instilled a sense of fulfilment and reinforced the importance of giving back to those in need. In the Kusina ng Kalinga (KnK) Feeding program, the volunteers prepared and distributed food to seventy-five children. Volunteers engaged with the young children and developed empathy and appreciation for the importance of a warm, nutritious meal.
Including game activities with the young children and the youth community further enriched the volunteers’ experience with Gawad Kalinga. These activities promoted interaction, laughter and bonding among the volunteers, Alapan community members and beneficiaries. It fostered a sense of joy, unity and camaraderie, bringing people together in a spirit of fun and friendship. In addition, the community organised a special 15th birthday celebration for Cruz, a CRCNK student volunteer. This heartfelt event brought joy, celebration, and a sense of belonging to Cruz and the entire immersion group, highlighting the power of human connection and kindness.
Engaging in these transformative experiences, CRCNK volunteers made a lasting impact on the lives of others and have become catalysts for positive change, fostering a more compassionate, inclusive and equitable society for all.
