In Adelaide, South Australia, a Filipino couple is gaining attention for their unique advocacy of providing free tours to Filipino international students in the area. Michael and Kate Mausisa, both originally from the Philippines, have been living in Adelaide for several years. They noticed that many Filipino international students struggle with adjusting to their new surroundings and often miss out on opportunities to explore the city due to financial constraints.
The Mausisas decided to take action by offering free tours to these students for two batches. They take them to popular tourist destinations such as the Adelaide Central Market, the Mount Lofty Summit, Handorf, Brighton Beach, McLaren Vale, and Victor Harbor. They also provide them with information about the city’s history and culture.
The couple’s advocacy has been well-received by the international student community in Adelaide. Many students have expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to explore the city and learn more about Australian culture. Moreover, sponsors such as the Expert Consultancy took the initiative to give free van and lunches.
Michael and Kate Mausisa hope that their advocacy will inspire others to do the same and help create a more welcoming community for international students in Adelaide.
“We believe that by providing these tours, we are not just helping these students explore the city, but also helping them feel more at home in a foreign country,” Michael said.
The couple’s advocacy is a testament to the Filipino value of “bayanihan,” which refers to the spirit of communal unity, work, and cooperation to achieve a common goal.