Service learning
Gawad Kalinga: The Swiber Village
Continued from cover
involved. Through their collaborative efforts they sponsored the land purchase of what would become known as the Swiber Village. After completion of the first phase of construction and after the original recipients had moved into this community, the 201112 eighth graders were the first school group given the opportunity to serve the Swiber Village. This year’s middle school GK Club student leader was Matthew L. He met with Bianca and Justin to continue with the seeds that had been sown. He grew this year’s club to 28 students, two of whom were seventh graders. They planned, organized, raised money, and implemented a successful experience that will be the beginning of their GK journey. GK is not about building a house; it’s about building a community. Our task is not only to help with the construction of infrastructure, but just as important, nurture the building of relationships with the people of the village. Highlights of this year’s experience included the transformation of an empty room into a vibrant early childhood learning center. Walls were painted with colorful murals and student desks and book shelves were purchased and installed. Other activities included arts and crafts (friendship
bracelets and tie-dye t-shirts), basketball and baseball, and spontaneously playing in the streets. For me, the most important activity, and this was truly a magical moment, was when the room was filled with hundreds of books, most of which were purchased by eighth grader Hanna C. This onceempty room suddenly became a community center where children gathered to feast upon books and to bond with one another in a true celebration of what community really is. In the Filipino language, Gawad Kalinga literally translates to “give care,” and that’s exactly what we did! This experience really is collaboration between the student club and an amazingly dedicated group of parent volunteers. The hardest working advocate whose tireless efforts really made this all happen is Anita Langlois. I can’t say enough about her commitment and organization that made this experience the success that it was and will continue to be. Anita truly embodies the meaning of Gawad Kalinga, to “Give Care!” I must extend a huge thank you to all of our parent volunteers: Mia and Jerry Lorenzo, Jim Stanczak, Johnny Escaler, and Nathaniel and Noelle Chua.
Moving Toward Action Laura Arleth and Kathryn Cullen Grade 4 Teachers
In fourth grade, student-generated ideas about how to positively affect the environment are central to the service learning journey. Each classroom decides what direction to take based upon their concerns that evolve from social studies units, such as oceans and rain forests. Having ownership of the resulting actions is essential to acquiring the fundamentals of service. Currently, fourth graders are in various stages of their service learning journeys, and they are sure to have positive impacts on our environment. Updates from a few fourth grade classrooms Ms. Hinton’s Class “We are brainstorming our greatest concerns.”
Ms. Cullen’s Class “We are concerned about plastic and what we, as individuals, can do ” Ms. Baildon’s Class “The great garbage patches concern us most, so we are brainstorming ways we can help.”
8