A Practicum/Immersion that had an Impact in my Life
4:33 AM at 4:33 AM Filed under: Author:
Met with a barangay chapter of the Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines officers and members
Getting to know more of the situation of youth with disabilities and the Breaking Barriers of Youth with Disabilities project
Getting to know more of the SCALA program, a free 6 month computer training program for the youth and how it impacts its clients or beneficiaries
During my non practicum hours, I found time to socialize with a school for its Parents, Teachers and Community Association Event
Speaking in front of a parish congregation during a religious fiesta
Joining an elementary school event of a barangay
Getting to know more of the low price rice project sold to the indigents and the situation of the operators of such store
Enjoying a school event with barangay folksJanuary 9, 2009
I was able to complete the required number of office hours in the Field Office VI of the Department of Social Welfare and Development end of day today. It was a bitter sweet moment since I was already settling in well but time seemed to fly so fast.
Initially when I started, I had some adjustments to do in terms of my busy schedule, the time in time out system, the staying in the office for hours and hours, and attending/observing full whole days of social welfare/work related seminars. I'm not used to some of these things but it's all good. It made me appreciate the social workers, day care workers and people who are part of the so called "marginalized" sectors (youth, women, elderly and people with disabilities) more. The immersion also made me more understanding, patient, personable and humble. Furthermore, I also got to connect with the working class more. Although, I am thankful to have had experience working for private companies from year 1998 until 2007.
My perspective of social work has definitely become more in depth. I am very much thankful of my status and my situation. I feel so blessed. As such, for those who are more blessed than others, it is our duty and responsibility to find ways to help out others in need. For the poor and underprivileged, every peso counts, every minute is an opportunity to earn, basic needs are sometimes not met and there is a yearning to have a better life. Let us teach them how to fish so that we could help them to be productive and happy residents of the community. Let us teach them how to be self reliant and hard working by giving them access to opportunities and usable information.
I salute the people I met who despite certain disabilities or issues with poverty remained optimistic and found ways in order to strive for a better life. I also acknowledge the hard work and sacrifice given by the social welfare officers and workers who focus on genuine public service and think of others before themselves. I also congratulate DSWD for creating programs and projects designed to uplift the lives of people.
Truly, being able to lend a helping hand to others gives us a priceless feeling. I am grateful to my Alma Maters together with my parents for molding me into becoming a man for others.
Initially when I started, I had some adjustments to do in terms of my busy schedule, the time in time out system, the staying in the office for hours and hours, and attending/observing full whole days of social welfare/work related seminars. I'm not used to some of these things but it's all good. It made me appreciate the social workers, day care workers and people who are part of the so called "marginalized" sectors (youth, women, elderly and people with disabilities) more. The immersion also made me more understanding, patient, personable and humble. Furthermore, I also got to connect with the working class more. Although, I am thankful to have had experience working for private companies from year 1998 until 2007.
My perspective of social work has definitely become more in depth. I am very much thankful of my status and my situation. I feel so blessed. As such, for those who are more blessed than others, it is our duty and responsibility to find ways to help out others in need. For the poor and underprivileged, every peso counts, every minute is an opportunity to earn, basic needs are sometimes not met and there is a yearning to have a better life. Let us teach them how to fish so that we could help them to be productive and happy residents of the community. Let us teach them how to be self reliant and hard working by giving them access to opportunities and usable information.
I salute the people I met who despite certain disabilities or issues with poverty remained optimistic and found ways in order to strive for a better life. I also acknowledge the hard work and sacrifice given by the social welfare officers and workers who focus on genuine public service and think of others before themselves. I also congratulate DSWD for creating programs and projects designed to uplift the lives of people.
Truly, being able to lend a helping hand to others gives us a priceless feeling. I am grateful to my Alma Maters together with my parents for molding me into becoming a man for others.
