Commemoration on october 14 at Malate Catholic Church

October 17: International Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty

Ang Pandaigdigang Araw Upang Sugpuin Ang Matinding Kahirapan 

A commemoration on Sunday October 14 at Malate Catholic Church Gymnasium from 1:00 to 5:00pm

International Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty

Extreme Poverty: a violation of Human Rights.

At the initiative of ATD Fourth World Movement, over one thousand people from five continents, who face the violence of poverty every day, shared their pain, their resistance and their initiatives. They shared their knowledge and their proposals with academics, public officials and others active in this field.
This film presents the violence of contempt, of being considered useless, of seeing ones rights to learn, to decent housing, to healthcare, to family life being endlessly violated. Sometimes it is aid itself which is so maladjusted that it becomes violent.
Breaking this silence concerns us all. It starts by recognising the courage of those who resist this violence and supporting their efforts. Because these men and women struggle tirelessly to build peace.

You can use this video for an event on October 17. It is a good tool to get into the international theme of this World Day for Overcoming Poverty.

http://overcomingpoverty.org/article/extreme-poverty-is-violence-video-8

A voice asking and acting for change

Mang Waldo lives under a bridge in Manila since many years. With others he has experienced demolition already but no sustainable projects were proposed. He points out to the need that the government asks the people what they wish, because they are the ones who know best what they need. They have to be considered as partners.

A 6min video in Tagalog subtitled in English.

http://www.unheard-voices.org/objectifs-du-millenaire-a-partir-de-lexperience-des-plus-pauvres-manille/?lang=en

A Fruitful Day Of Learning

By Tracy Cruz

All Together in Dignity (ATD) Fourth World Philippines in partnership with Fusion Essence, a charitable organization of Frontrow multi-level marketing firm, conducted workshops for 50 children of Hilum/Lozada on June 16, 2012 at Pandacan, Manila.

“I always like it when people are ready to share their time and talents with the children of disadvantaged communities. When you do this, you learn from each other, it’s an enriching experience for everyone,” Guy Malfait, ATD Program Director, shared. “From that moment on, the anonymous poor child has a name and a face, he or she becomes your brother or sister. As brothers and sisters, you’re responsible for each other. You can’t ignore them anymore.”

Volunteers were comprised of young entrepreneurs/networkers led by Nesty Ortiz, Frontrow’s Operations Manager. “The aim was to help the less fortunate kids and build the foundation of our company – humility, the ability to love more and do more for others,” Ortiz said. 

It was a magical day of genuine camaraderie. When the rain poured on the streets of Hilum/Lozada during the storytelling, we transferred to the ATD office and had fun walking to the venue.  We were one team, a family united by unconditional love. We protected and looked after each other.  Even the rain failed to damper the high spirits of volunteers, facilitators, and the kids.

The youth volunteers generously devoted their time and talents to the little ones.  The workshops included singing, dancing, and arts and crafts and the kids were grouped into several age groups (2 – 16 yrs old) to match their level of learning. The children had so much fun learning and they proudly showed off their artworks of paper folding mobiles, blow art, activity sheets and gamely performed their songs and dance numbers. There were several spontaneous dance showdowns were the kids enjoyed friendly competition while the adults lovingly watched and some even danced. The gifts of talent were given and received whole-heartedly and it was a beautiful event.

Let us live in a world empowered by compassion, understanding, and love. May the seeds of charity continue to grow in our hearts and bear fruits which sustain the plight of the poor.  ATD welcomes partnerships and volunteers.  For inquiries, contact ATD at 5639312 or Guy Malfait at 09474237238.

Festival of Learning 2012

By Tracy Cruz

All Together In Dignity (ATD) Fourth World Philippines successfully held its Festival Of Learning (FOL) 2012 on the month of April with the three communities of North Cemetery, Ilalim Ng Tulay, and Hilum/Lozada, friends and volunteers.

Communication was the central theme of the festival and the aim was to “stop, look, and listen” to the voice of a child. The festival consisted of story-telling, diverse arts & craft and talent/media workshops, and fun activities such as games, puppet shows, etc. The culminating outing was at GMA Network, Inc Studio  where the kids and facilitators toured the studios and met artists and news personalities.

Yeng Calaguas, ATD friend who conduct a singing workshop  with David Cator, said, "I learned that two children in our workshop didn’t know how to read and had a hard time reading so they were not able to follow the vocalization exercise. With this handicap, they continued on and didn’t leave the group. Later, David was able to have them join the singing of a Tagalog lyrics of which they know and didn’t need to read the lyrics.”

FOL 2012 reached its goal of communicating the children’s situation to strangers. Friends and volunteers were not only able to “stop, look, and listen” but they also acted on the reality of the lives of the residents of the communities which needs to be addressed immediately. 

Children and adults shared  meaningful time together  and it was such a great experience. Talents and knowledge were generously given to the kids and their radiant smiles and eagerness to learn fuelled the passion to serve. Lasting and meaningful relationships were formed. Lives were touched.  

We learned from each other and  gave without expecting anything in return. That is the beauty of unconditional love. That is ATD – preserving and protecting the dignity of the communities through sustainable programs and educating the volunteers about understanding.

To be of service the least of our fellowmen is an honor and a great privilege. ATD gives us the chance to serve our country and to be one with our people. Let us help each other and build a nation with a pure heart.

To volunteer, contact ATD Fourth World Philippines.
E-mail: philippines@atd-fourthworld.org
Anne-Sylvie Laurent: 9089426819
Guy Malfait: 9474237238
ATD House: 025639312

Join the Festival of Learning 2012

Saturday March 17 (2-5 pm): Orientation Meeting at ATD House in Pandacan

The Festival of Learning in the three communities:

see for details the Face Book event page: Festival of Learning Orientation Meeting or http://www.facebook.com/events/405379949478221/

The central theme of this year is ' communication ' or 'Ang Buhay ko, Tingnan at Pakinggan ninyo'

Guy Malfait

Family Day at UP Diliman, March 4

ATD’s United Family Day
By Tracy Cruz

All Together In Dignity (ATD) Fourth World Philippines held its Family Day with the communities of North Cemetery, Ilalim ng Tulay, Hilum, and Lozada, One Voice Communication Forum delegates, volunteers and friends last March 4, 2012 at the Sunken Garden, University of the Phi

lippines, Diliman in Quezon City.
200 participants interacted and basked in the rays of the Sunday sun shaded by century old Acacia trees. Traditional Filipino games spiced up the day which delighted both children and adults. A simple merienda lovingly prepared by volunteers and friends was distributed in an organized manner by community members. The crowd also enjoyed outdoor activities such as kite flying, volleyball, and badminton.
Laughter echoed throughout the park and it was a pleasure to feel the happiness of the group. Strangers openly shared personal stories in an intimate setting of communal mats. Family members were candidly introduced and the children gamely played with each other. Environment conscious participants cleaned up afterwards and tediously disposed the trash in its proper place.

The honesty and simplicity of the event reflected ATD’s ideal of ‘involvement with disadvantaged communities’. Equality and magnanimity were strongly felt by everyone. The unity of the team was palpable. We were one family.
ATD Family Day was a reminder that the best things in life are indeed free. What matters the most is the quality of the relationships that we build, regardless of class, gender, age

and race. It was a speci

al day shared by all without bias and social barriers, like the way it should be in the outside world. May the positive spirit of the event last in our hearts and extend in our everyday lives!