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Just my curiousity? Am I not an active blogger?

Pasay City Youth Home Days 3, 4, 5

Day 3: April 24, 2009
We let them viewed a full length film today. Of course, we agreed that it will be non-violent and wholesome as much as possible. We also agreed that it will also have a positive message and it will be in Tagalog. We found that film from an original production of Victory Christian Fellowship titled "Rebound." We saw this film as a means to reach out to these kids who can relate to the story since they are also interested in basketball as well. We gave them our reflection for them to understand since we also witness some of them will receive their wishes fulfilled. Three of the kids there will be granted release today. We are sad that we won't see them anymore but glad at the same time that they will have an opportunity for them awaits so we gave them counsel so that they will not go the same situation again. We told them if ever they go back at the Youth Home, just only to visit.

Day 4: April 27
We played some fun games and and also did some serious talks in a more meaningful manner. We made them write what are their significant things that can be a person, place, or anything that is important in their lives. Glad to see that the only girl among the male-dominated residents started to participate much more.

Day 5: April 29
We played some games with them after the one of my fellow gave inspirational topic to them. We did charades. The last game was the highlight of the day. We gave them a story without an ending that they will decide how will they end the story. There were 3 groups of 5 that participated today. We found out that these kids can also be creative and some has potential leadership qualities. I failed to mention in my previous report that we have a new boy resident in the youth home.

Pasay City Youth Home Days 1 & 2

April 20, 2009
I was in charge of the group dynamics while Kuya Johnny was in charge with the small dialogue.I had them tasked with an activity that will help us identify the kids since this is our first major gathering. I had them make something out of paper without using any tools that will represent them in a creative way. I was glad this turned out alright. Though some kids were still up with some chores and my other team mates were in charge of the songs and some snacks. 11 out of the 16 kids participated today.

April 22, 2009
We started with some games and proceeded with a pep talk then a illustrative group dynamics and gave them something special to look forward this Friday: Film viewing. All 17 kids were present including the only girl.

My First Visit at Pasay City Youth Home

We were briefed and given a tour around the facility during our ocular visit. Even though we will start our exposure next week, we learned a lot already. The term juvenile deliquent is no longer advisable. They are now called children in conflict with the law or CICL for short. For valid reasons, we are not allowed to take pictures with these kids for the duration of our visits.The next step will be implementing activities for the next 5 weeks. I am overwhelmed already that I have so much ideas I wish to implement that I also need to refer with my team. We already set the Week One tasking. Watch out for next post.

April Week One(1-5) Highlights

I attended a seminar /workshop on community organizing just to comply with school standards. I found out that most of the expected people who should attend are not around. This was a waste of time since I'm not sure if the groupings in our summer exposure are represented. If not, are the absentees are considered better than us since we are the only ones who attended? I considered the seminar useful when a minor problem arises.During the seminar, I can't accomodate the task for filing an exit clearance for the summer break because we were loaded. I was told that once I secure an exit clearance that I should bring my stuff along.I can't do that because I have lots of stuff and since I'm coming back the by June, it would be a hassle to remove and put them back so I decided to come back for it at the nearest date. I arrange with some of my dorm mates that we secure our stuff in one room and share the two months worth and it will be cheaper if we are more than three sharing the expenses. I just realized the usefulness of the seminar we attended has some good use. We actually did community organizing and found its worth in practical use.Hehe!

Thoughts on baranggay basketball

I'm not into basketball. I never got to play because I'm not athletic. But to this situation. We still give even a little though we show that we don't like it. We think its better for them to play basketball than to be involve in gangs though most of them still do in a nearby former slum area in Meding. It took a while for my neighborhood(San Isidro) to remove the fear among taxi drivers from entering because of the reported notorious gang leader that was caught. However, I was wondering if they are soliciting really for there uniforms. Though, they were given written permission from the baranggay, is it still right for them to solicit from every house? What if the baranggay officials from the baranggay area they represent should do the soliciting? Perhaps, they should solicit from an establishment for sponsorships or a politician. I really flared up when these uneducated players came to my place on the second level at around 11pm asking me through a window. It doesn't take someone who took etiquette to know that most of the lights are off and the only light available is from the TV. I was the only one awake.. Common courtesy. I didn't give them what they deserve but they were more afraid that I might tell the local officials about it. So, being able to give them sense was enough.