18 Feb 2010, Dublin- SERVE Volunteer and Art teacher of Deansrath Community College , Fiona Buggy, has taken on the mission of taking five of her 2nd year students to the Philippines on an exposure visit for their midterm holidays.
They are spending their time observing the way of life in one of the countries of the majority world and interacting with their Filipino peers. Fiona has been to the Philippines thrice as part of the SERVE volunteer team who dedicate 5 weeks to working with street children, the tribal Badjao community and the Ati tribe and youth leadership training in the slums.
The students were selected after a careful interview process. SERVE organised a pre departure training programme to make them more aware of the issues and culture of the Philippines. This visit is encouraged as the experience will be of great value to the young individuals and enable them to expand their perspective as they live in a diverse culture.
SERVE Operations Manager, Chris O’Donoghue believes, “It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these students and one that will hopefully have a positive impact in their school upon return. I would be interested in seeing what line of work these young people choose in the future and see if this exposure visit has a long term change on them.”
The students have reached safe and are enjoying their new experiences to the fullest in the sun. They will be returning with many stories next week.
