Taking the first step

By Cris Evert B. Lato

WHILE other teenagers spent their Saturday afternoon mall-roving last Aug. 6, a group of 22 students met in a forum that discussed volunteerism and teamwork.They are members of the newly organized group of University of the Philippines-Cebu College students who volunteered to be part of the Tsinelas Association Inc., a nongovernment organization that helps in the education of poor children in far-flung and depressed areas in the province.

    Simply called Tsinelas (UP-Cebu Group), the group described the event as “the first step” in fulfilling their desire to help their fellow students in the mountains.

The forum held at the Sentro sa Katilingban (SSK) Training and Resource Center along Gen. Maxilom Ave. had social worker Ms. Annabelle Fajardo Ann as main speaker.

In an interactive atmosphere, students and facilitator shared insights on volunteerism. “Being a volunteer takes a lot of courage and patience,” Fajardo said.

For Kim Villacrucis, a first year Mass Communication student, “volunteerism is the willingness to help without reservation.”

“It is the noble act of giving without asking for anything in return,” Rachelle Marie Dangin, another Mass Communication student, said.

Fajardo said the main factor that hinders most people from volunteering to help others is the mistaken notion that it is only for “heroes.”

“Many fall into the wrong belief that to be a volunteer you have to do something remarkable,” she said.

The group also had an activity aimed at strengthening teamwork. The teambuilding exercise proved to be effective in making the group realize that in a team, members support each other and collaborate to reach a common goal.

The students realized that for them to be effective, they have to function more than just a “group,” they have to be a “team.”

Representatives from Tsinelas’ board of directors attended the forum to officially welcome the new young student volunteers and swear in their officers.

<!–[if !supportEmptyParas]–> <!–[endif]–>

<!–[if !supportEmptyParas]–>