As part of the Learning Support Mechanism for the scholars of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administratio (OWWA), the Regional Welfare Office XI conducted a youth camp for its scholars last December 14, 2019 at the Lanang Suites, Davao City. A total of eighty (80) scholars from the different provinces of Davao region attended the activity with OWWA officers Mialou Batican, Melody Ember Tomas, and Cristelito Abadilla as the facilitators.

The activity aims to enhance and improve the scholars’ knowledge and skills on team building and teamwork to help them improve their communication and problem-solving skills. It also aims to build friendship and support system among co-scholars.

On behalf of OWWA XI Regional Director Ron Lionel Bartolome, Programs and Services Division Chief Carnelo Elaya delivered inspirational message to the scholars. He emphasized that the scholars of OWWA are unique and blessed because they are properly selected and screened. “We hope that you will learn more from this activity and you will become more responsible as children of OFWs,” Elaya said.

Meanwhile, Abadilla provided the participants with substancial inputs on team building for them to be able to demonstrate and practice the acquired knowledge and skills on their daily lives. Participants were also given workshops and various games to test their abilities in problem-solving and communiction skills. Among the games include: welded ankle; action, egg and ball relays; guiding the blind; and human knot. Through the games and workshop, the scholars were able to have closer bond with their co-scholars and able to express their ideas and concepts in problem-solving.

The activity also served as a venue to share their experiences as children of overseas Filipino workers, helped them cope up with loneliness and longingness, and formed scholars organization in their respective schools.

One of the scholars was Jhames Andrew Pason, son of a domestic worker in Hongkong. He said that the activity taught him the essence of communication and connection in order to build trust and learned the spirit of courage in order to win and to succeed. Another scholar who finds the activity so useful is Christel Baleros, sister of a domestic worker in Hongkong. “The activity gives me the best knowledge for me  to become ready in the future. Honesty, camaraderie and happiness fill my heart today. We are so grateful to OWWA for giving us the opportunity to join in this memorable activity,” she said. (OWWA XI)