Daily TribuneThe Australian Volunteers Program works closely with the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency, which coordinates with international and local organizations in providing volunteer services.
photograph courtesy of australia in manila Through collaboration and sharing of valuable skills and knowledge, Australian Volunteers can help our Philippine organizations foster an environment of cultural sensitivity and understanding.
Australian volunteers have returned to the Philippines to work with local communities in Manila and Camarines Sur.
This is the first in-country deployment of Australian volunteers since March 2020, when the program shifted to remote volunteering because of the pandemic.
Australia has a long history of volunteering in the Philippines, with over 800 Australian volunteers deployed since the year 2000.
Peng-Sim Eng will volunteer at the Center for Excellence in Special Education Foundation Inc. (Stepping Stone Foundation) as a behavior management coach to Filipino teachers in developing plans for children with special needs.
Judith Berghan will share her skills with the Development Action for Women Network, a non-government organization that assists returned migrant workers especially distressed women and their children. Judith will help develop DAWN's strategic plan.
Lydia Jovero will work with the local government of Canaman in Camarines Sur as a sustainable livelihood officer. Born in the Philippines, Lydia is volunteering in the country for the third time to help develop sustainability projects in Camanan.
An Australian government initiative, the Australian Volunteers Program supports global volunteering by matching skilled Australians with Philippine organizations to help them achieve their goals.
This approach is aligned with the Australian Government's new International Development policy, which aims to support locally led development.
The Australian Volunteers Program works closely with the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency, which coordinates international and local organizations providing volunteer services.
"Over the years, our partnership with the Australian Embassy, through the Australian Volunteers program, has seen lives improve and communities transformed," said deputy executive director Sarmago of PNVSCA.
