Service Learning (During) Last Thursday, November 19, we had our Service Learning activity at the Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned (POLA) in Mandaluyong City. I would like to share with you what had transpired before, during and after the activity. I would also like to share my personal feelings and take-away in this memorable Service Learning activity. Our group together with POLA decided to engage in vertical gardening, particularly the principle of hydroponics as a way to help beautify the community and furthermore as a respond to Pope Francis' Laudato Si, which is the Encyclical on the Environment -- On the care of our common home. Gardening, particularly vertical gardening has many benefits, a few of them are: http://themicrogardener.com/
My feelings, emotions and outlook before engaging in the activity: “I was excited to do this activity for POLA. I imagine it as a fun and learning activity for POLA and for ourselves. We may even do this in our own homes! When we were planning this activity, we intended that the materials be easily acquired and the maintenance will also be easy. We wanted the parish/community to be able to quickly harvest what they have planted and this may be possible through the principle of hydroponics. We initially considered veggies to be planted as an additional source of food and income. At the same time, I also felt scared that the plants we will sow will not bloom/grow to what is expected of them. Hoping that the participants have a green thumb, will learn a lot, enjoy from the activity and will be able to impart their learnings to others." Preparation of venue and some of the materials: During the lecture, demonstration and workshop: Finished products: What I felt during and after engaging in the activity: "During the activity, I felt overwhelmed because the participants had so many questions. They were more knowledgeable than us! They were so excited to work on their hydroponic plant. I also felt happy because I felt and saw how enthusiastic they are in learning new ways to plant. They were taking down notes on the hand-outs that we distributed. They were asking various questions. They were eagerly working on their hydroponic plant. They even made more than 2 hydroponic plants. The participants planted ornamentals, leafy vegetables like pechay, arugula and basil, some even planted siling labuyo and cherry tomatoes. After the activity, I felt tired but very much fulfilled. It was a very good experience and feeling seeing how others appreciate what you do for them. The group did the research, interview, providing of raw materials and simple lecture and workshop on how to go about hydroponics -- these simple things were very much appreciated by the participants. They will even share their learnings with other people in the community and the kids. Through this activity, we clearly saw and learned that it does not take big things or activities to be able to help others, simple learning and simple gestures will be appreciated a long way. Hopefully, the future LBL, Ethics and CSR class will be able to continue Service Learning Activities that were started. Aside from the activities being sustainable itself, a constant review, reminder and support will help the communities go a long way." Words are not enough to let me express how grateful I am in being able to engage in such activity. We were able to help other people/community. It was also a fulfilling experience as you see the participants from teens to the elderly, both men and women take time to plant and learn new planting techniques. Moving forward, I would like to encourage our company to start and engage in simple activities for the community or for those organizations that will be needing our help and support. It gives a nice and happy feeling when you are able to give back in your own simple ways.
I am very much thankful that DLSU MBA's course incorporates the value of becoming an ethical Lasallian leader. It also emphasizes engaging on CSR and Service Learning activities that will be helpful and sustainable to the chosen community. I hope that this program develops and even improve its continuity. There may even be an SL activity part 2 possibly incorporated with HRM with OrgBev, this time focusing on the part 2 of the initially started SL activity or probably how will the CSR programs of the company help continue started activities from the LBL, Ethics and CSR class. Comments are closed.
|
AuthorRLM, daughter, wife, mother, employee and student will blog about her reflections on her BUS560M Class. She hopes to continue this blog after taking-up the course. Enjoy reading! =) Archives
January 2016
|