Volunteering... from page 17 SOLIDARITY VIDES Pinoy volunteers reach out in order to be one for and with others. We believe in the right of persons to live and survive; to have a decent life. Solidarity comes in various forms and initiatives. We adapt and respond the best way we can, always for the Lord. Since 2009, VIDES Pinoy responded to the request of other communities of Salesian Sisters to host the VIDES annual mission camp. Henceforth, VIDES Pinoy volunteers have moved from Negros to Cebu, Palawan, and this year, in Mindoro, were 500 children were served. Medical missions have been conducted in Delpan and Hagonoy, serving at least 600 patients. After the Habagat in August 2012, VIDES Pinoy volunteers joined the Don Bosco School Educating Community and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in the relief operations in Hagonoy and Sta. Mesa. Aside from these areas, VIDES Pinoy volunteers also reached out to Delpan and Pasay with the donations from the family of Mr. Joey and Mrs. Marissa Concepcion. In networking for Human Rights, VIDES Philippines actively collaborates with the Philippine NGOCoalition on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child;coordinates with the Child Rights Network (CRN); and shares updates with the FMA Human Rights Office in Geneva (the Istituto Internazionale Maria Ausiliatrice) specifically on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the Philippines.
HOMEBOUND
Salesian For e v e r 2nd Past Pupils’ Grand Homecoming December 1, 2012 Don Bosco School - Manila
EDUCATION IS EMPOWERMENT, NOT DOLE OUT “The key word of VIDES is GENEROSITY. This is not only in terms of money, but of my SELF-GIFT: even words whispered to children which they will cherish for the whole of their life. I also saw the generosity of the VIDES volunteers. I thank God for each volunteer, for making us one community, one family. Many are called, but few are chosen. And that’s us. We learn from the children; it’s not just the children learning from us.” Jun, VIDES Volunteer since 19____ “I’ve been with VIDES Philippines since 2005. The reason why I’m still with VIDES now is that I have found a family here. What I like with this organization is that it’s not just “dole out”; we establish rapport and relationship with the barangay, the church, the community and empower the children and women we meet. What’s most beautiful is we educate them about their rights and we empower them. And that’s very important.” Ciel, VIDES Volunteer since 1995.
October 2012
FMA Lifeline
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