Gawad Kalinga (GK) Australia is set to host its “Christmas in July Fundraising Lunch” on 27 July at Ruby Riviera Taberna, aiming to sow the seeds of change for the next generation of Filipino agri-entrepreneurs. The event is a crucial step in the organisation’s mission to alleviate poverty by empowering youth in rural Philippines.
The primary objective of this special luncheon is to raise vital funds for scholars of GK’s School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development (SEED Philippines) in partnership with TESDA. The SEED program is an intensive three-month initiative focused on organic agriculture, recruiting young individuals in groups from various communities. Students undergo a month-long live-in program at a GK campus, followed by a supervised two-month community program where they establish food farms and lay the groundwork for their agri-enterprises. Sponsorship per student covers tuition, board and lodging, as well as crucial start-up funds for their community food farm and enterprise.
Raising future agri-entrepreneurs
“Gawad Kalinga’s SEED program aims to raise the next generation of agri-entrepreneurs that will cultivate and create wealth out of our land. Its focus on countryside development attempts to address poverty where it is most acute, reach the people who are most neglected, and grab the opportunities that remain untapped,” said Marisa Vedar, Deputy Chairperson of Gawad Kalinga Australia, in an interview with The Philippine Times.
According to Marisa, GK Australia also provides funds for the feeding program of primary school children via its Kusina ng Kalinga Program. For $1.00, a donor can feed one child per day (in-school). Kusina ng Kalinga (KnK) is Gawad Kalinga’s strategic response to address chronic hunger and malnutrition among Filipino children ages 0 to 12 years old and pregnant and lactating mothers.
Providing intensive reading courses
Marisa said GK Australia also supports GK’s READ (Reading for Excellence and Development) Literacy Program. Reading is still a challenge for teachers and parents. Studies show that children with poor reading and comprehension skills are negatively affecting their mastery of other subjects. To address this growing problem, GK is implementing a community-based learning program for children 7-13 years old who struggle the most with reading and comprehension. They receive intensive reading courses from trained teachers and volunteers.
For bookings, please contact Marisa Vedar on 0425 831 673, Patsy Gutierrez on 0412 889 134 or Cecile Calingasan on 0402 698 251.
