Introducing Pushpin Movement's partner community: Kapwa Kapatid
“Tulong” means helping while “kapatid” means brother or sister. Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid means “helping out your fellow brothers and sisters.”
The organisation began in 2003, when high school students from private schools first visited Payatas, an urban community situated near the largest open dumpsite in the Philippines. After learning of the challenges the students of Payatas faced in getting an education, they decided to spend their weekends volunteering in Payatas as academic tutors. Fuelled by their commitment to the community, these students dedicated their time and effort in changing the lives of their fellow students, their brothers and sisters.
Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid is composed of two main programs – the first is composed of Saturday tutorial sessions and activities for students that happens twice a month.The second, YAPAK, is a scholarship program that focuses on raising educational funds through sponsorship for the chosen students from Kapatid.
At present, the scholarship program is sponsoring the education of 24 students, and has already produced two college graduates. YAPAK scholars are then encouraged to participate in the various volunteerism efforts of the organization. Recently, they even participated in relief efforts for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.
Pushpin Movers Ann, Elaine, and Nina with the kids of Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid
Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid is a platform that not only guides promising students in their growth, but also an opportunity for “graduates” of the program to pay it forward by becoming volunteers themselves. Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid has a variety of other activities all connected with the enrichment of the hearts and minds of the Payatas children.
In 2014, Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid was recognized as one of the 2014 Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations in the Philippines. It plans to expand beyond Payatas, to disadvantaged communities in different regions in the country.
My Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid Story
Tulong sa Kapwa Kapatid is a venue for learning, fellowship and fun. Last October, it sponsored a trip to the Mind Museum for the kids of Payatas.
We acted as chaperones to two precocious girls, who had very different personalities but were the best of friends. Izzy was quiet, reserved, very intelligent and observant. MJ was expressive, playful and loved to explore new things.
It was great to see them go around the museum and interact with the exhibits. We were able to guide them and explain how some of the things worked but mostly, they went ahead to took full advantage of what the museum had to offer. It was a great day spent playing with them and enjoying their company. Coming from Payatas, Izzy and MJ have only a few opportunities to engage in a truly learning environment.
It was amazing to be a part of their story. From them we re-learned the joy of learning and experiencing new things. It was fun to be a kid once again, even for just a short amount of time.
Izzy and MJ at the Mind Museum
Source: http://pushpinmovement.com/stories/partners/tulong-sa-kapwa-kapatid/
