Latest update from the GK Jose Rizal Village

We've received the latest updates from our contacts on the ground.  12 of the homes in the GK Jose Rizal site's newly constructed Sandersfeld/St.Francis/Team Evergreen GK Village were directly sponsored by TEW.  Here are pictures of the site showing the completed structures.

Notice how the structures are very basic.

The village is in its very early stages of development - not all residents have moved in but those who'v done so have already made efforts to beautify the space.

That's Ed, one of our contacts on the ground 

In case you're wondering how all this came about - basically, GK has been doing this for almost a decade now, providing communities for people whose lives are trapped in the shackles of poverty.  The program is not merely a handout - potential beneficiaries are strictly screened and are required to attend values formation classes and seminars and must agree to a strict set of requirements before they are even approved to receive a home in one of these villages.  By the time a beneficiary walks into their GK unit, they would have already logged an equivalent of 1000 hours of work towards OTHER GK villages and or homes.  Once moved in, they become responsible for beautifying their facades with plants and basic landscaping.  If you've seen other established villages, you'll note that this task comes easy to residents after they have spent months working towards the community.

If you need more information about how the program works, browse the links to Gawad Kalinga's main site or shoot us an email. Supporters of Team Evergreen Washington are directly responsible for changing the future of the 12 families who now live in a community of caring and sharing. We would love for you to be a part of that work.

This is the view from the back of the two rows of houses.

GK workers and the village representative take a tour

Newly painted homes still awaiting
windows before
beneficiaries can move in

This row of houses is already occupied

Some of the eager residents have
already started to plant some
basic landscaping

Shown here is the community area, where residents will gather
for community meetings, seminars, celebrations.

Oh what joy - this baby was actually born a few weeks after the
family moved in to this unit - can you imagine what this baby's
future would have been like if he was born on the
streets homeless?

More pictures of our TEW Village

More units being built on our site

A few more pictures of the Sandersfeld-St. Victor-Evergreen GK village made their way into our inbox this week.  In addition to the 7 housing units that were already under construction as of last report, we've received word that an additional 8 houses have been started.  So far, then, the village has 15 units and the project is quickly taking shape.  Take a look at the latest 2 pictures of the project in this post.  We're waiting to hear more from our project manager on the ground in Calamba. Laguna regarding other aspects of the build - such as the estimated turnover date and pictures and bios of the families moving in.  None of these would be possible without all your support.  TEW supporters should feel a sense of joy in bringing hope and dignity to families who deserve it.  Thanks and God bless you all.

As we face another year and close out 2011 - our most productive yet so far - we are excited to accomplish even more in terms of making a difference in the lives of our less fortunate brothers overseas.  Though we accomplished much this year, we cannot rest. The work continues as there are endless opportunities for us to participate in the task of rebuilding the lives of people who have been trapped in poverty.  There are still hundreds of thousands of Filipinos in dire straits who simply need a hand up to change their lives. We hope that you will continue to support our efforts and partner with us in this journey in 2012.

Preliminary report on village build

What we've been working to create starts to take shape

Two of TEW's team members, Norm and Diane, were privileged enough to participate in the actual build of the Sandersfeld - St.Victor - Evergreen GK Village in Calamba, Laguna in November.  For the team members, this is the beginning of the fulfillment of 3 years of promoting, organizing, praying, and raising awareness of what we as ordinary folks can do to make a difference in the lives of others.
What the picture shows is 2 weeks worth of work from volunteers from Trend Micro - the software company - with funding from Team Evergreen Washington's donors in partnership with 2 parish churches in San Jose - St. Francis and St. Victor.  In a matter of weeks - if volunteers and the weather keep up the pace - the structure will be complete.  The 22 units will house 22 families or roughly 80 - 100 men, women and children and save them from the cycle of extreme poverty and put them on a course towards improving their lives in conjunction with the other programs that GK has going in the Jose Rizal Village compound (the community surrounding this specific structure).
This progress would not be possible without your support, moral, financial and spiritual.  We continually extend our gratitude to everyone who has been behind us.  The work is not complete, though, and we continue to raise awareness in order to extend this blessing to more people. 

Gawad Kalinga has won the Skoll Foundation's Social Entrepreneurship award - this recognition legitimizes the GK model internationally and is confirmation of the efficacy and the good that the movement is accomplishing.  Read this link for more information on the award.  Tony Meloto and the other leaders of GK have also responded in humility.  Read it here.

 "Gawad Kalinga brings new perspective to our growing portfolio of social entrepreneurs tackling poverty," said Sally Osberg, President and CEO of the Skoll Foundation.  "With their deliberate focus on values formation and partnership, Tony Meloto, Luis Oquiñena and their team have transformed large swathes of the Philippines.  And they've successfully replicated the model in urban and rural environments, at half the cost of alternative interventions.  We are delighted to welcome Gawad Kalinga to our Skoll community of social entrepreneurs."

Not only does the award secure some much needed funding for the movement, but it allows more people to be aware of the need that is so great - and what we ordinary people are doing to address it.  Thanks so much for your support for TEW and GK.

The site is ready

The future site of our village is pictured on the right. 

On the second week of October, 2011,  Rod Castillo and his wife, Arlene, went to the Philippines to tour the Sandersfeld-St.Victor-Evergreen GK Village site.  It sits as one of several village communities in a major site called Dr. Jose Rizal Village in Majada.   Originally scheduled for a build from September of this year thru January, the actual build has been on hold due to recent typhoon damage in other parts of the region.  The local government had done its preliminary grading but still had to do its surveying work which should have been finished by now had it not been for delays caused by recent weather disasters.  They are finishing that work up on the second week of October.  A big group from Trend Micro International sends volunteers regularly and is sending another big group in November to work on our village.  Eligible residents are waiting on the wings and are constantly doing whatever work they can do on it.  Barring any more delays, we should see some structures start to come up within a few weeks.
TEW continues to bring awareness to the plight of the poor but is also partnered with this community for more than just building homes.  It is about transforming lives and affecting society.  For a complete report on the site's progress, please visit the tab labeled "Village Updates"

Popcorn and a movie was all we needed...

On Saturday, the 24th, TEW sponsored a screening of the movie Paraiso-Tatlong Kuwento ng Pag-Asa (Paradise-three Stories of Hope), a movie focusing on some of the experiences of people involved or touched by the GK movement in the Philippines. Word International Ministries' Community Center in Federal Way played host to the event which drew in a good number of attendees for a warm Saturday night.

Maricel Soriano, Cesar Montano and Michael V. star in the trilogy

The movie touched audience's hearts so much that midway through the heavy drama scenes, staff had to pass out some tissue paper as both men and women couldn't hold back tears of emotion.  Now that's a real Tagalog movie!  Laughter was also heard through some of the more comedic scenes.  In case you didn't know, a distinct characteristic of any Filipino movie is slapstick comedy together with heavy drama.  Somehow, they make it work.
Members of the audience gave positive reviews with some making major donations towards the cause and a few making commitments to support the movement throughout the year.  They will certainly carry an awareness of the GK movement wherever they go.   TEW would like the thank everyone who came to our movie night.  A special thanks goes out to Word International Ministries in Federal Way for hosting the event and to Optimark EyeCare for providing the popcorn.  This is what it's all about - getting people, organizations, businesses, and faith groups together to help the poor.

Movie Night in Federal Way

TEW is showing the movie "Paraiso - Tatlong Kuwento ng Pag-Asa" (Paradise - 3 Stories of Hope),  a movie that was produced a few years ago to help spread awareness of the GK movement.  Although a bit dated, there are still many who have not seen this interesting take on the Gawad Kalinga movement.  You won't be disappointed.  Based on true-to-life stories, the movie features Filipino actors Maricel Soriano, Michael V., and Cesar Montano among others.  Be entertained, be moved, be informed.  Come and see it:

•       Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 5:00 PM 
•       Word International Ministries Community Center - 1627 S. 312th Street in Federal Way.

A suggested donation of $10 at the door is requested.   This event is also sponsored by Optimark Eyecare in Burien. Popcorn available!  One of stories highlighted in the movie was featured on MSNBC.   Thanks to Word International Ministries in Federal Way for letting us use their place!