Thank You

Now that our team has completed its work in the Philippines it is time to thank everyone who made the trip posssible. First, a thank you to the members of the team. Their hard work and dedication to the job was incredible. Because of that sense of mission they made the trip work. Thanks to all of you. A special thanks to two team members who didn't make the trip. John Hough was the "man behind the scenes." His work prior to the trip and support while we were away was crucial in making things work. Claudia Alves was the alternate team member and team leader. She supported the team all spring, attending team meetings and working whenever she could to make the trip a success. Her work was important to the team's success and she was very much appreciated,

Thanks to all of the members of the Rotary Clubs of district 3770 and their families. Your helpfulness, courtesy and hospitality were incredible. You made our trip to your fabulous country special. We learned to enjoy your country very much and appreciate the friendship you extended to us without reservtion. some of you spent much time away from your work and families to be with us. This personal sacrifice is recognized and we thank your families and workplaces for sharing you with us.

Thanks to all of the school officials, administrators and staff members who worked to set up the workshops and venues so that we would have a place to work. We are happy to have had the privledge of working in your schools and seeing them in action.

And finally thank you to Rotary International, the Rotary Foundation and all of the clubs of Rotary District 5020. Your financial and moral support made it possible for us to make the trip to Philippines to carry out our project.

A special thanks goes to the many clubs and individuals who contributed to our "Legacy Project". This project allowed us to leave behind materials that would help to make our impact in the Philippines last beyond our stay there.When we finished we were able to leave 6 sets of books describing different models of teaching, 5 LCD projectors, and 21 computers along with assorted accessories. These will help to bring new ways of doing things to Filipino schools.

Below is a list of the donors to our Legacy Project:

  The Rotary Foundation

  Rotary Districts 5020 and 3770

  University of Saskatchewan SIDRU

  Delta Kappa Gamma – Society of Women  Educators, Alpha Chapter

  Marv Rogers - Printer

  Mike and Gaye Harrigan

  Several unnamed Rotarians

  The Rotary Clubs of:

–Nanaimo, BC

–Nanaimo North, BC

–Nanaimo Daybreak, BC

–Lantzville, BC

–South Cowichan, BC

–Lacey, Wa

–Olympia, Wa

–Parkland Spanaway, Wa

–Yorkton, SK

Teaching in the Philippines

Teachers in the Philippines are wonderful. They are dedicated professionals who endure difficult conditions to provide the best possible education for their students. Their pay is low (and acknowledged to be so by everyone I talked to) and they are often criticized for not being good enough.

However, our team was fortunate to be able to visit several classtooms and observe lessons being presented. Those lessons were well carried out and the students were responsive and on task. In addition we talked to many teachers during breaks in our workshops. The people we talked to were professsional and aware of the latest in pedagogy. They often talked about their "mission" to teach. Our team was favourably impressed. These teachers were well trained and in our shared profession for all the right reasons.

They face great challenges. Class sizes are large enough to daunt a North American teacher, 70 students in one class we observed. There are few resources. Lab equipment is limited or non existent. Libraries house old books that would be of little use in a 21sr Century school. Computers are limited. Restrictive planning requirements make it difficult to change teaching styles.

Our team salutes the teachers of the Philippines. You are doing a great job. You deserve a large pat on the back for the work you are doing with your students. It is through your efforts that the next generation will be ready to lead your country in this new century. You can not solve all of the problems that you face, but by changing the things within your power, one at a time, you will soon find that your students will benefit from your hard work and dedication.

Filipinos Love to Sing

Filipinos love to sing and we were fortunate to be serenaded and entertained because of this national passion.

Early in our stay our first host family introduced us to Karaoke. On our first night with them they invited several friends over and hauled out the karaoke machine. We straight laced Canadians were somewhat embarassed and declined to test our voices. That didn't stop them though, and long after we went to bed (we had to get up early to go to work in the morning) they sang into the night. We didn't yet understand the depth of the passion.

Over the ensuing weeks we often found ourselves presented with a mike and asked to join in, but it was not until the end of the trip that any of us was cajoled into joining (way to go Nancy - great voice!). It is amazing how everyone here feels so comfortable with the mike and sounds so good. I am amazed that Hollywood talent scouts aren't here in droves handing out books of contracts (Willie, you really do sound like Maurice Chevalier - amazing sound!).

Nor is the singing reserved for the Karaoke club. On several occasions we were entertained by excellent choirs and dance reviews, some of professional quality. Our club in Lantzville is proud of its ability to sing O' Canada, but the bar has been raised - significantly. Picture this - A Rotary club standing up together to perform a routine for its guests. The Rotary Club of Meycauayan did. They performed a series of songs including a good piece of choreography for us. It could have come straight out of a 1940's Hollywood musical and it was performed specifically for us. It earned a standing ovation from an audience that was outnumbered by the cast.

Even at our workshops music has been important. Not only do participants sing the national anthem, but some have used song to present an assignment and all have joined in to sing Thank you at the end.

There has been much that has been joyful during our time in this wonderful country, but nothing has been more fun than than the joy of music that permeates the soul of the people that we've met.