nd_0424@yahoo.com

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KI as a key player inpromoting volunteering,spearheaded a NationalVolunteering roadshowvisiting Cagayan de OroCity, Davao City, GeneralSantos City, ZamboangaCity, Isabela City inBasilan, Jolo, Sulu, andTawi-tawi from November2009 to March 2010.

In partnership withVoluntary Service Overseas(VSO), the roadshow wasorganized to promote RA9418 or the Volunteer Actof 2007. The Acti n s t i t u t i o n a l i z e svolunteerism as a strategyfor national developmentand internationalunderstanding andcooperation. This landamrklegislation brings with itthe assurance of providinga conducive and enablingenvironment forvolunteering in thePhilippines.

Ms. Cora Macaraeg, ProjectOfficer of PhilippineNational Volunteer ServiceCoordinating Agency(PNVSCA) shared theelements of RA 9418. Oneof the highlights of theroadshow is the work ofKapamagogopa Inc. inpromoting volunteerismamong young Muslimprofessionals. KIExecutive Director MariamBarandia shared the KIexperience and the role ofMuslim volunteering inpeacebuilding and ruraldevelopment in Mindanao.

The event was alsodesigned to bring relevantstakeholders together,such as Non-governmentorganizations (NGOs),academe, corporatesector, government lineagencies, youth-orientedgroups and students todiscuss about thelegislation.

KI NEWSLETTER Believing in Change but Keeping the FaithBelieving in Change but Keeping the FaithBelieving in Change but Keeping the FaithBelieving in Change but Keeping the FaithBelieving in Change but Keeping the Faith

KI Newsletter is a Publication of Kapamagogopa Inc.KI Newsletter is a Publication of Kapamagogopa Inc.KI Newsletter is a Publication of Kapamagogopa Inc.KI Newsletter is a Publication of Kapamagogopa Inc.KI Newsletter is a Publication of Kapamagogopa Inc.VVVVVolume 4 Issue 1olume 4 Issue 1olume 4 Issue 1olume 4 Issue 1olume 4 Issue 1 April 2010 April 2010 April 2010 April 2010 April 2010

KI Spearheaded NationalVolunteering Roadshow

Ang Pagtatagpo: TheReturned Volunteer

ConferenceOn February 19, 2010, 60 youngpeople from all over thePhilippines, converged in Cebu forthe 1st Returned VolunteersConference dubbed as “AngPagtatagpo”. The participants hadpreviously given their time andskills to be volunteers for peaceand development throughprojects based in Mindanao.

Over the three days, there was alearning exchange betweenpartners and returned volunteersabout youth leadership,participation and peacebuilding.The participants also designedframeworks and strategies forcontinuing engagement ofreturned volunteers.

The conference was organized byKapamagogopa Inc. and GlobalXchange through VSO Bahaginanwith the support of the CanadianInternational DevelopmentAgency (CIDA) and CUSO-VSO(Canada) was held in MactanIsland, Cebu between February19-21, 2010.

On the final day, the participantstook part in a community actionday to boost the spirit ofvolunteerism already presentamong returned volunteerstogether with a localenvironmental campaign inOlango Island, home of thelargest concentration ofmigratory (continue on page 10)

Insights from KI Volunteers

365 Days Being a KI Volunteer365 Days Being a KI Volunteer365 Days Being a KI Volunteer365 Days Being a KI Volunteer365 Days Being a KI Volunteer

2

Is change equated withsustainability? This is a question thatis always asked and gets differentviews and responses. But for KI, wealways have a pro-active responseto the question. We always believethat change will make us stronger,more developed and a sustainableorganization.

There are changes that have beenhappening within KI. In March 2010,VSO Philippines the main partner ofKI exited the country and in July2010, Haslaida Abubacar the ProjectOfficer/Volunteer Manager will leaveKI for her two-year study Program.New staffs were hired to complimentthe manpower shortage and on April30, KI has its new elected officersof the Board of Trustees.

All these changes both external andinternal affected the organizationand its programme. Will KI be ableto cope with these changes? Will itsustain its programme? The answeris YES! InshaAllah, KI can definitelydo it!

For the last two years VSOPhilippines has been preparing itspartners for the 2010 exit. Capacitybuilding on Resource Mobilizationand Knowledge Management weregiven to its partners. VSOvolunteers had left their legacies bytransferring their skills to the staff.These have been utilized to itsmaximum use.

The recent organization planning ofKI geared towards its sustainability.Considering the present situation KIplanned for the next 3 years.Partnerships with corporate andcreative fund raising were givenemphasis as linkaging andnetworking were also givenimportance. National and diasporavolunteers were likewise consideredin lieu of the international volunteers.With this I can say with the help ofAlmighty Allah that KI will still be alive,will surpass any obstacles and willcope with any changes. Ameen.

Wasslaam.

Engr. Mariam B. BarandiaKapamagogopa Inc.

Assessment Day. I’m very much eagerand highly motivated to showcase myknowledge and skills just to impressthe Selectors. If I will become a KIvolunteer, it will provide a venue forme to harness my potentials and offermy hand to those in need of help.

Placement Day. Finally a KI volunteerat last. Enabling people inKauswagan, Lanao del Norte proves

that I have skills and knowledge to impart and I possessthe characteristics that KI is looking for in a volunteer.I have the heart to share that is my most powerfulweapon. Being able to be part of the lives of thepeople give me self-satisfaction and fulfillment. Thisis why I keep pursuing the fruitful ventures of a volunteerwith passion and commitment.

Yesterday was another successful team activity andafter every eventful day, we will always gather togetherto celebrate. This is one thing that I appreciate in myjourney as a volunteer; it paves a way for us to becloser to other staff and community members. This isone of the things I will surely miss after my placementthis August 2010.

Today, I suddenly felt I lost the enthusiasm to pursuevolunteering. All the sleepless nights, burn outs,nonstop workload and continuous activity challengedmy faith and dedication which gave me a hint to quitthe fight but God is good. He is always on my side togive magical strength and long-lasting fighting spirit.I came to think that this is not the way KI trained us.This is not the way KI taught us. I should make astand and overcome the barricades that impede me topursue what I have started. Today, I learn to anticipateproblems and enjoyments as a normal path in themeaningful and rewarding journey of a volunteer.Continue to inspire others and always bear in my mind,-Believing in CHANGE but K-Believing in CHANGE but K-Believing in CHANGE but K-Believing in CHANGE but K-Believing in CHANGE but Keeping the Feeping the Feeping the Feeping the Feeping the FAITHAITHAITHAITHAITH- asI always did. (Written by Jamil Macadaag, KI Volunteer placedat Pakigdait Inc. based in Iligan City)

Alhamdullillah and Congratulations toAlhamdullillah and Congratulations toAlhamdullillah and Congratulations toAlhamdullillah and Congratulations toAlhamdullillah and Congratulations to

for winning the prestigious2009 Ban2009 Ban2009 Ban2009 Ban2009 Banyyyyyan Tan Tan Tan Tan Tree Vree Vree Vree Vree Value Challenge Aalue Challenge Aalue Challenge Aalue Challenge Aalue Challenge Awwwwwardardardardard

in recognition of the impact made by itsMuslim Volunteering Program.

KAPAMAGOGOPA INC.

Message from the Executive DirectorMessage from the Executive DirectorMessage from the Executive DirectorMessage from the Executive DirectorMessage from the Executive Director

Insights from KI VolunteersMe Talking To Myself EverydayMe Talking To Myself EverydayMe Talking To Myself EverydayMe Talking To Myself EverydayMe Talking To Myself Everyday

Its 6:30 AM and my room mate sounds like an alarmclock singing annoying songs – it’s morning! I hitthe snooze of my phone. Oh, better get up thistime! I don’t want to be late!

I drag my feet all the way to the kitchen, where iturn on the coffee pot. Then stumbling to thebathroom I comb my hair and brush my teeth. It’smy usual ponytail. I put on the radio - the samestation I always listen to. Back in my room I lookedthrough my clothing - have they always been soboring? White shirts, black slacks, pants and myunder garments ...maybe i should go shoppingsometime. Oh, I say that every day!

Back in the kitchen I make quick work of my usualcoffee and breakfast before grabbing my bag andheading out the door.

As usual, traffic is crawling- road under construction. Iturned on the radio in my phone, but it is playing thesame three songs it has played for the last month.Finally I reach work, and fall into my daily routine -encoding, paper work, computer screens, go to thecommunity and do organizing, and... Of course yourusual lunch of "Pater" and a soft drinks and some times,rice and fried fish “mangayo ko og sabaw sa tilapiyaha?.”

And at 4:55 I sit at my little desk thinking about howdifficult volunteering life is. My work is stressful! Everyday is just like the last. But wait, here is somethingdifferent! Your boss is coming and you don’t like thelook on his face. “Ash,” he says, “you know that ouroffice has been going through some rough times latelyand we have to double our work....” I don’t hear therest of what he says because i already know what it is.He is not satisfied.

It 6:00 PM, it’s time to go to KI Office (which is just inthe neighborhood) there is Alex, Madz, Ganz, Jerson,Beethan and Shiba. “Ay patay my meeting pala tayo.Buti nalang napadaan ako” I almost forgot the meeting“Asan na yong mga taga Marawi?” Beethan asked. Butbefore she end up talking, here comes Pats, Jal, Jam,Naimah, and Kim. What my co-volunteer didn’t knowabout me is that they are my source of energy the nextday I go to work. I’m happy just by looking at them.“Sana nga hindi na kami magkakahiwalay.”

On the way home I think about my mistakes at workand said to my self “ I will make it up next time”. Thatnight I am in my room with my room mate doing hisstuff (Oh please don’t sing!) The people in the room

next door are talking and sharingsome of their difficulties in life.“Mga studyante pa kasi akala nilamahirap pinagdadaanan nila” Ihave this book I used to readbefore I sleep. It’s all about howto manage stress. That book alsotells some real stories of peoplein their hardest experiences. Thattime I realized my life wasn’t sodifficult after all. When I look onthe bright side I realized I chosethis work not because of somebenefits I get from the officewhere i was placed but becauseof the things I learn from thepeople around me. I dovolunteering not because ofmaterial benefits, but more onthe experience and the blessing iget from our creator. (AsharyDimaocor is a Ki Volunteer placed atSamahan sa Maayong Magbalantay(SMM) Inc. based in Iligan City).

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A Real Volunteer at Last!

Editorial BoardEditorial BoardEditorial BoardEditorial BoardEditorial Board

Haslaida B. AbubacarHaslaida B. AbubacarHaslaida B. AbubacarHaslaida B. AbubacarHaslaida B. Abubacar

Chief EditorChief EditorChief EditorChief EditorChief Editor

DrDrDrDrDr. Abd Nasser C. Mendoza, Engr. Abd Nasser C. Mendoza, Engr. Abd Nasser C. Mendoza, Engr. Abd Nasser C. Mendoza, Engr. Abd Nasser C. Mendoza, Engr. Mariam B. Mariam B. Mariam B. Mariam B. Mariam B. Bar. Bar. Bar. Bar. Barandia, Mark Boot,andia, Mark Boot,andia, Mark Boot,andia, Mark Boot,andia, Mark Boot,Gerry Merriman, DaGerry Merriman, DaGerry Merriman, DaGerry Merriman, DaGerry Merriman, Dawin M. Omar Jrwin M. Omar Jrwin M. Omar Jrwin M. Omar Jrwin M. Omar Jr....., Saida R. P, Saida R. P, Saida R. P, Saida R. P, Saida R. Pagaagaagaagaagayyyyyaaaaawwwwwan,an,an,an,an,

Ashary Dimaocor and Jamil MacadaagAshary Dimaocor and Jamil MacadaagAshary Dimaocor and Jamil MacadaagAshary Dimaocor and Jamil MacadaagAshary Dimaocor and Jamil Macadaag

Con t r i bu t o r sCon t r i bu t o r sCon t r i bu t o r sCon t r i bu t o r sCon t r i bu t o r s

For comments and suggestions please email us at info@ki-

volunteer.org, h_abubacar@ki-volunteer.org

Or visit us at: KAPAMAGOGOPA INC.KAPAMAGOGOPA INC.KAPAMAGOGOPA INC.KAPAMAGOGOPA INC.KAPAMAGOGOPA INC.

Door F6 Monlan Apartment, Purok Anthurium, Mahayahay,

Iligan City Telefax: 63 63 221-5523

w w ww w ww w ww w ww w w.k i -. k i -. k i -. k i -. k i - vvvvv o l un t e e ro l un t e e ro l un t e e ro l un t e e ro l un t e e r. o r g. o r g. o r g. o r g. o r g

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"My desk was already prepared forme, so, at least they knew I wascoming, which was a relief! Indeed,the staff at KI, most of whom I hadmet before, were very welcoming tothis strange Irish guy who wascoming to work with them for 6months. I was introduced to thelocal area, including the localeateries, and to some wonderfulMaranao dishes, and allowed tosettle in.

My role in KI was to be VolunteerManagement and DevelopmentAdvisor, to help KI, where possible,to deliver on its services to its ownvolunteers, of course, but also toassist with the KI partners in helpingthem to develop their ownappropriate models of volunteermanagement. I discovered that KIis a model of professionalism in howit approaches its relationship with itsvolunteers, and also with itspartners. Its systems andprocedures are in place, and it followsthem with rigorous attention todetail. The reports that it is obligedto submit to donors, etc, are all filedon time. I was recently asked tosuggest ways that KI might improveand I struggled to suggest ways todo this!

That same meticulous approach isalso evident in the way it generallytreats volunteers. It trains andprepares the volunteers in athorough manner, inculcating in theman ethos of service andcomradeship, and as a result, whenI met them, I found that thevolunteers themselves were not only

a delightfulgroup, but alsovery dedicated,committed andenthusiastic.

They were(nearly) all therewhen we meetat Midway beachresort for thet e ambu i l d i n gweekend, and itwas good to getto know themthrough thisgathering, ands u b s e q u e n tmeetings haveo n l ystrengthened myappreciation oft h e i rachievements.At such a youngage, these young

man and women are credit to themselves, and to Islam.Their voices and their works should be heard throughoutthe world.

Meeting with the Partners, too, has been a real pleasureand seeing the work they do in the communities showshow much can be done with limited (or, often, no) resources.They demonstrate a commitment to the principles of mutualcooperation and shared endeavour in what they do.It was a real pleasure meeting you all, and being involved inyour activities and lives. You made me feel welcome, and Iam grateful to all of you for that!

Of course, this, for me, is not a final farewell, as I will beinvolved with KI for as long as I can. Even now, as I type, Ino longer have the support of VSO Philippines at my back.Instead, I am here, still working in KI of my own free will,and on absolutely no pay whatsoever. I can truly claim tobe a real volunteer – at last!" (Gerry Merriman is the VolunteerDevelopment Adviser of KI.)

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“Mindanao!!! Are youcrazy?” is the usualreaction in Manila when Itell people what I do. InIligan, I am asked if I amscared to go to Marawi asI will be kidnapped, I replyin the negative, I tell themthat I love going to Marawi,that the lake is verybeautiful. I explain to themthat here in Lanao, I feelsafer than London and thatwhat I was most scaredabout was Videoke. LuckilyI have now overcome thatparticular phobia, a definitesignificant change.

I think more about the usual dailyannoyances, Jeepney drivers wholike to go back more than forward,continual brownouts and the worstis the ants, they are everywhere, Ijust shook about 2000 out of mykeyboard before writing this. I mightbe working in Peace anddevelopment but in my house itsWAR! Unfortunately despite myconstant use of chemical weaponsetc the ants are winning and so Ihave conceded defeat.

“Are you a vegetarian?” was the first question asked when Iarrived at KI for my first day as a VSO volunteer. The lookof relief on Mariam’s face when I said “no” was evident;“Oh very good” she smiled and so began my 2 yearrelationship with KI and its staff and volunteers. In London,I had spent many years working in Muslim communities andwith Muslim staff but of course this would be very different,people might have the same religion but their cultures arevery different, I was now working with Maranaos. How willthey react to me? Shall I tell them I am an atheist? Myconcerns were soon forgotten, everyone at KI made mevery welcome and I felt like a member of the teamstraightaway, it was easy for me to get on with my role as

a Resource Mobilization advisor andbe an effective volunteer, as the staffwere so accommodating.

Over my two years, I have seen KIgrow as an organization, expand interms of volunteers recruited and innew areas of recruitment and I feelvery proud to have been part of thatand to have contributed in someway. The KI volunteers inspired meto work even harder. I rememberseeing them during the assessmentdays; many nervous, havingnosebleeds just at the sight of me,praying that they won’t get theforeigner for their interview. Now, Isee them confident in their work,

eager to helpt h e i rorganizationand alwayseager to helpKI. Fantastic!

I am new tovolunteering,aside from ashort spell inIndia, thiswas my firsttime in my lifeto try to gives ome th i n g

back; before I was just interested inthe money aspect. I have donemany things that I thought I couldnot do and I have learnt a lot aboutmyself over this time. I think theapproach to volunteering really is toask “how may I help you?’ not ‘I cando this for you’. I hope that I havebeen of some help to KI as they havecertainly been of some help to me.(Mark Boot is the Resource Mobilization Adviserof KI. He was able to acquire 6 new fundingpartner for KI during his placement for 2years).

The best way to lose yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. --Gandhi

'I Enjoyed Every Minute'

P e r v a s i v e l yhigh youthunemployment,masses ofp e o p l euprooted bywar, andi n e f f e c t i v ep u b l i cg o v e r n a n c e

these are some of the reasonswhy Kapamagogopa Inc. wasestablished. For almost 5 yearsthat I have worked with KI, I haveseen the impacts it has made toMuslim youth as well as in thebigger community.

Working with KI for almost 5 yearsis indeed an achievement. Ithought I will not last for a yearbecause of the complexitiesof the job and my immaturityto manage such a uniqueprogramme. But five yearsis five years. The experienceopened my eyes to thereality around me. I learneda lot of things that was nevertaught in school or maybetaught differently in school.I gained new competencies,enhanced my knowledgeabout Islam and enriched mypersonality.

Working through volunteersis another rollercoaster ride.It didn’t only challenge myprofessional skills but I amamazed with the capacity ofthese Muslim youth to transformother people’s lives includingmine. The ways in which theidentity of Muslim youth hasshifted from the self-centered tothe selfless volunteer via theprocess of self-reflexivity

withinMindanao’s changingpolitical, cultural andsocial context has beenevident in the recent yearswith the increasingnumber of developmentprojects initiated byMuslim youth volunteers.I admire their versatility inadapting to abrupt changein the environmentunfazed by risks and theirresilience in combatingtheir own challenges in lifewhile trying to help otherpeople who in some wayhave similar plight withthem.

Working for peace anddevelopment is reciprocal.

It doesn’t mean onlysharing and deliveringservices to people but itprovides me differentinsights in life as well.Every day is a learningexperience when you workfor peace anddevelopment. You respondto disasters, participateenvironmental campaign,

walk for peace and evenplay bowling for peace.Other than befriending 99Muslim and Christianyouths in just 3-daysconference, I also learnedto take extra time to fulfillmy social obligations.

I’d say working throughand with Muslimvolunteers had broughtcolorful years in my life. Itimpacted me so much thatit prompted me to seekhigher education to betterunderstand and contributemuch to peace anddevelopment. I may not bethere to witness other KIbatches to be transformed

as volunteers for peace butsurely in some other timeand place we will meet inthis journey calledVolunteering. (This article iswritten by Haslaida B. Abubacar.She is the Editor of KI Newsletterand Project Officer managing theyouth volunteering program of KI.She is awarded with a FORDscholarship under its InternationalFellowship Program to study MAin Sustainable InternationalDevelopment in BrandeisUniversity, Massachusetts, USAthis 2010 school year).

Working For, Through and With Volunteers

6

Don't ever question the value of volunteers.Don't ever question the value of volunteers.Don't ever question the value of volunteers.Don't ever question the value of volunteers.Don't ever question the value of volunteers.Noah's Ark was built by volunteers; theNoah's Ark was built by volunteers; theNoah's Ark was built by volunteers; theNoah's Ark was built by volunteers; theNoah's Ark was built by volunteers; the

Titanic was built by professionals.Titanic was built by professionals.Titanic was built by professionals.Titanic was built by professionals.Titanic was built by professionals.

KI Newsbits

Ms. Saida Pagayawan joined KI familythis April 2010. She is a graduate ofBachelor of Science in InternationalRelations at Mindanao State Universityin 2007. Her experiences were more onthe academe and now she looks forwardto more rewarding experience with KI.Ms. Pagayawan is the new Project Officerwho will manage the youth volunteering

programme. “I’m elated to be here and very excited totake part in all KI activities as I know it would be verymeaningful in my professional and personal growth.”

“I am excited to be working backalthough not directly with the communitybut with KI people. I am looking forwardto share my skills and experiences withthe volunteers” Amerah said. Ms.Amerah Mangacop has an extensivevolunteering experience with differentorganizations. She had a more than 4

years experience working particularly with Star-CMprojects in Marawi City. Ms. Mangacop is the newProject Assistant of KI. She will be mainly focused onthe Administrative and Financial operations of KI.

KI BOT New Set of OfficersKI BOT New Set of OfficersKI BOT New Set of OfficersKI BOT New Set of OfficersKI BOT New Set of Officers

KI WKI WKI WKI WKI Welcomes 2 New Staffelcomes 2 New Staffelcomes 2 New Staffelcomes 2 New Staffelcomes 2 New Staff

On February 28, 2010 KI Board of Trustees elected itsnew set of officers. The election happened smoothly inaccordance to KI rules on election. Dr. Abd Nasser C.Mendoza is the Chairman, Vice Chairman is Mr. RashidM. Bangcolongan, Treasurer is Ms. Amenah S.Taratingan, Auditor is Prof. Fatimah L.M. Natangcop,Corporate Secretary is Executive Director Mariam B.Barandia. Mr. Musa Sanguila and Mr. Amenodin Caliare still members of the Board of Trustees.

“The Vision, Mission, Goals, and Objectives of KI havealready been set and it is the duty of the BOT to ensurethat KI is heading to attaining them. However, ourimmediate needs are also known to the BOT and theStaff of KI. We need to strive more to connect to thedifferent funding agencies and NGOs.

As an organization our goal is the attainment ofpeaceful, self-reliant, multi-cultural and well developedcommunities through what we have been doing(advocacy and volunteering supposedly, the Islamicway). We need to stress more on the values of Islambecause all solutions to our daily problems havepractical solutions in Islam. It’s a question of seekingthe answers from the Book of Allah [Swt] and applyingthem in our life” Dr. Abd Nasser C. Mendoza said in hisspeech. This is the second term of Dr. Mendoza as theChairman of the Board of Trustees of KI.

VSO VVSO VVSO VVSO VVSO VolunteersolunteersolunteersolunteersolunteersDespididaDespididaDespididaDespididaDespidida

KI organized a summer chillaxparty for VSO volunteers MarkBoot and Gerry Merriman whohave worked with KI during theirplacement in Lanao. This is tothank the two for their supportand contributions to KI. Mark isfrom UK, he started volunteeringwith KI in March 2008, and he hasbeen mainly involved in resourcemobilization while Gerry is fromIreland who started volunteeringwith KI in October 2009 to helpimprove the volunteeringprogram.

The party was held at FrostyBites, Tubod, Iligan City, lastMarch 27, 2010. KI VolunteersJohairah Gumampong and AsharyDimaocor led the acoustic bandand played songs all throughoutthe event. Some of the volunteersrendered songs and videopresentation as a tribute for Markand Gerry. The afternoon turnedinto a stand-up comedy showwhen Dawin Omar Jr., a KI staffdid a hilarious impersonations ofMark and Gerry.

“Though our placement contractswith VSO have ended, ourvolunteering continues with KI.We are now KI E-volunteers” Markand Gerry said.

KI Board of Trustees, volunteersfrom first to fifth batch, staff andhost partner organizations likeSMMI, Birthdev, Lypad Min andCSOFP joined the party. JayshreeBoot, also a VSO volunteer placedat CSOFP was also at the chillaxparty.

7

KI NewsbitsHalf way through Volunteers placement, the 5th batch(Elm) of KI volunteers held their Midyear Assessmentand Reflection Workshop at Chali Beach Resort,Cagayan de Oro City on February 25-26, 2010. Theworkshop was attended by 15 KI volunteers and 7 HostPartner Organizations.

Facilitated by Mr. Rashid Bangcolongan, fresh from hisvolunteer placement in Ghana, the workshop aimed atreviewing the volunteers’ accomplishments for the past6 months and formulate plan of actions for theremaining 6 months of placement. Volunteers togetherwith their direct supervisors identified and assessedsome changes brought about by volunteering and theirengagement with volunteers.

“We are having fun sa among project kahit naglisodlisod” says Lotlot Morales of Ecoweb Inc., directsupervisor of KI volunteer Madania Malang. Althoughmost of volunteers are happy with their placementthere are also some experiencing gaps and challengesin their placements in terms of volunteer-staff relations.The presence of both the volunteers and supervisorsprovided an avenue to discuss sensitive matters.

The activity also turned into a get-together occasionas this is the first time that volunteers were gatheredtogether after their development training in August2009.

5th Batch Volunteers' MidyearAssessment

PNVSCA and VSO Visit KIMs. Fe Nadado of PNVSCA and Malcolm Quigley of VSOIreland visited KI last February 2010. Ms. Nadado isthe VIDA Program Officer of Philippine NationalVolunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA). Shecame to monitor VSO volunteers Mark Boot and GerryMerriman. She interviewed staff and others pertainingthe contribution of volunteers to KI program. PNVSCAis the government agency in charge of promoting andcoordinating all volunteer service matters in thePhilippines and is under the NEDA office.

Mr. Quigley is the Country Director of VSO Ireland andit is his first time to visit KI. He was accompanied byMs. Malou Juanito, Executive Director of VSO Bahaginan.The two spent a couple of hours talking to KI Volunteers;Jamil Macadaag, Naimah Abdulrachman, JalaniePangalian, Johairah Gumampong, Ganie Amlain,Madania Malang and Abdul Hakim Limug shared theirmotivations and experiences as Muslim volunteers.

VSO is a long time partner of KI in development inMindanao through VSO Peace Mindanao Programme.

KI Volunteers Ganie Amlain and Jamil Macadaag planting

mangrove seedlings during the Earth Day Celebration in Iligan.

8The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size; but by the depth of commitment to make a

difference in the lives of others. - DeAnn Hollis

KI volunteers attended amangrove planting activity whichwas held as part of the Earth Daycelebrations on April 22, 2010.Over 50 people took part in theevent which took place along thebank of the Bayug River in Purok7, Barangay Santiago in IliganCity. The mangrove enhancementactivity resulted in more than 200seedlings being planted, whichwill help to build up naturaldefences against storm wavesand erosion. The event wasorganized by DENR-CENRO inIligan City in partnership withCSO-FP, it was also attended byNPC - Watershed managementand officials from BarangaySantiago.

Another KI volunteer Ms. NaimahAbdulrachman placed atKalimudan Foundation Inc.organized a Clean Up Drive at MSUMain Campus, Marawi City. Theearth day activity in Marawi Citywas joined by almost 1,000people from different youthgroups, local government units,non-government organizationsand academe.

KI VolunteersCelebrates Earth Day in

2 Cities

KI Newsbits

water, land, forests, animals amdhuman transaction. Early Muslimsunderstood and respected thesedecrees. In later years, Muslimlawmakers based the Islamic legalsystem on such decrees andformulated similar laws coveringconservation of physicalresources.

Sadly, most of us are not awareof this rich legacy ofenvironmental consciousness inIslam and how these relate tocontemporary issues.

The 2002 WSSD presented anoccasion to reflect on how theissues and debates in thatSummit relate to Islam and to theMuslims. Indeed it was anopportunity to strengthen ourcommitment and build networksand partnerships to achievecommon objectives. Mostimportantly, we should see it asa chance to ingrain in the Muslim’sheart and mind a living spiritabout locallocallocallocallocal and internationalinternationalinternationalinternationalinternationalstrugglesstrugglesstrugglesstrugglesstruggles, and the need for themto get involved.

frameworkframeworkframeworkframeworkframework for the spiritual and physical well being ofhumanity has been provided for. There are more than500 verses in the Qur’an that constitute as guidancefor us on matters relating to the environment and howto deal with it. Furthermore, there are many examplesin the life of the Holy Prophet and in his sayings, thatprovided us a model for justice and equity.

According to Islamic la Islamic la Islamic la Islamic la Islamic lawwwww, the elements of nature,such as land, water, air fire, water, forests areconsidered to be the common property of all, not onlyfor human beings, but for all creatures. For example,the Qur’an states:

Say: ‘Whose is the earth, and whoever is therein, ifyou know?’. (Qur’an 23:84) ..Surely the land is Allah’s,-He gives it for an inheritance to such of His servantsas He pleases. And the end is for those who keep theirduty. (Qur’an 7:128)

The Qur’an instructs us on how to use these resources:O children of Adam, attend to your adornment at everytime of prayer, and eat and drink, and be not prodigal; surely He love not the prodigals. (Qur’an 7:31)

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) became rulerof Makkah and Madina, he laid down decreesdecreesdecreesdecreesdecrees covering

Global Dev't... (from page 11)

VMS Workshop for HPTen Partner organizations of KI successfully attendedthe Volunteer Management Workshop at Gardenia Hotel,Cagayan de Oro City on January 19-20, 2010.

Facilitated by Mr. Gerry Merriman, VolunteeringDevelopment Adviser of KI, the workshop lasted for 2days mainly to assist organizations to formulate theirsystems and policies in volunteer management. HostPartner Organizations like RDRRAC, Birthdev, Afrim,SMMI, Lafccod Inc, PMWS, Kalimudan and MindanaoPeoples Caucus are already been receiving KIvolunteers and have gained experience in managingvolunteers. While CSOFP and RWCRC has long beenengaging with local community volunteers.

“I often time treat my volunteers for lunch or dinner.That way I was able to talk and learn more about themlike their cultures, upbringing and dreams in life. Goodrelationship with volunteers helps to build teamworkin the office. The treat is also part of the rewards/recognition to the volunteers for a successful job" saysLotlot Morales of Ecoweb Inc.

Participants have developed keyprinciples in, and practicalapplications of, VolunteerManagement strategies. After theworkshop, Gerry conductedindividual consultations with theorganizations to improve moretheir VMS.

9

From Right: Charlie Trozo of Lafccod Inc., Tess de Leon of Afrim Inc., Gerry

Merriman of KI and Fely Rose Intal of SMMI during the Volunteer

Management System Workshop for KI Host Partners.

KI Newsbits Ang Pagtatagpo...Ang Pagtatagpo...Ang Pagtatagpo...Ang Pagtatagpo...Ang Pagtatagpo...from page 1from page 1from page 1from page 1from page 1

VVVVVolunteer Rolunteer Rolunteer Rolunteer Rolunteer Recruitmentecruitmentecruitmentecruitmentecruitmentgoes around Mindanaogoes around Mindanaogoes around Mindanaogoes around Mindanaogoes around Mindanao

Pre-screening forPre-screening forPre-screening forPre-screening forPre-screening for2010 V2010 V2010 V2010 V2010 Volunteerolunteerolunteerolunteerolunteer

Applicants StartedApplicants StartedApplicants StartedApplicants StartedApplicants Started

The Recruitment Committee of KIconducted volunteers’ recruitmentin General Santos City,Zamboanga City, Basilan, JoloSulu, Tawi-tawi, Marawi City andIligan City between December2009 to March 2010. The teaminvited graduating students andfresh college graduates for themto learn more about the Muslimvolunteering programme of KI.

This is the second time that KIexpanded its recruitment in thoseareas. Last year’s recruitment, KIreceived more than 10 applicantsfrom outside Lanao. This year itis expected to triple theapplications as recruitment wasmore organized and intensive. KItapped prestigious universitieslike Mindanao State University,Iligan Medical Center College,Western Mindanao State College,Basilan State College and NotreDame College of Jolo mobilizingits Muslim Student Associationsand partnered with local Muslimorganizations like Islamic ACT ofTawi-tawi and United Youth forPeace and Development(Unypad).

birds from Siberia, Northern China and Japan. Theparticipants planted ten thousand mangrove seedlings.There was also the opportunity for a reunion gatheringfor Kapamagogopa and Global Xchange returnedvolunteers for the first time.Kapamagogopa and VSOBahaginan have a long-standing partnership in thepromotion of national volunteering in the Philippinesthrough supporting Mindanao based institutionsworking on achieving a just and peaceful society.

Global Xchange is an international exchange programthat promotes volunteering and communitydevelopment. It is a fully reciprocal program, whichreflects contemporary values, building mutual respectand understanding between young people from theUnited Kingdom and from the Philippines. GlobalXchange is managed and implemented by the BritishCouncil and VSO. For more information about GlobalXchange go to www.globalxchange.org.uk

Kapamagogopa Inc. started itspre-screening for the 6th Batch ofKI Volunteers. It is the first stageof the selection process of MuslimVolunteer applicants. It consistsof two parts; a written exam anda panel interview. The writtenexam aims to check how well anapplicant constructs his/hersentences on a well organizedthought, the choice ofvocabularies, and correctgrammar. On the panel interview,applicants are asked withquestions that would determine

their Commitment and Willingness; Professionalismand Competency; Interpersonal and Team BuildingSkills; and Flexibility and Adaptability.

The members of the panel are Board of Trustees Dr.Abd Mendoza and Mr. Rashid Bangcolongan, ExecutiveDirector Mariam Barandia.

The first pre-screening was held in KalimudanFoundation Inc. in Marawi City in which applicants arethose come from Marawi City and Lanao del Sur andthe second pre-screening was held at KI office in IliganCity for the applicants from Lanao del Norte and IliganCity. A series of pre-screening are still to be scheduledfor the rest of the applicants as the deadline forsubmission of applications is until April 30, 2010.

Volunteer applicants who will pass the pre-screeningwill qualify for the Assessment Day.

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Kapamagogopa at aGlance Calendar of Events

Global Development Sustainability:An Islamic Mission

Knowledge in Islam Corner

V i s i o nV i s i o nV i s i o nV i s i o nV i s i o n

“Sustained communities that are peaceful, prosperous

and self-reliant.”

M i s s i o nM i s s i o nM i s s i o nM i s s i o nM i s s i o n

“A Muslim organization working with partner organiza-

tions for the attainment of peaceful, self-reliant, multi-

cultural and well developed communities through ad-

vocacy and volunteering. ”

G o a l sG o a l sG o a l sG o a l sG o a l s

To foster a better understanding and mutual re-

spect between and amongst various cultures and faiths;

Mobilize skilled Mulsims to promote effectively

peace and development in service of Muslim and non-

Muslim communities;

Establish a center for volunteer development, man-

agement, training and promotion and a venue for cross

cultural exchange, interfaith dialogue and discourse

on community development perspectives;

To ensure sustainability of the organization through

an effective system/strategy;

Establish a good effective working relationship with

partner organizations.

KI is encouraging individuals, organizations and cor-

porations to donate to our cause of mobilizing young

Muslim professionals to become peaceweavers and

volunteers for peace and development. This will en-

able them to have the chance to break isolation and to

work in multi-cultural environments. To donate please

contact KI through the following:

Telefax: 63 63 221-5523

Moblie No: +63 920 434 1663

Email: info@ki-volunteer.org

Website: www.ki-volunteer.org

KI has been supported by the following agen-KI has been supported by the following agen-KI has been supported by the following agen-KI has been supported by the following agen-KI has been supported by the following agen-

cies and organizations:cies and organizations:cies and organizations:cies and organizations:cies and organizations:

May 16, 2010 – Refresher Workshop. KI Selectors will be having arefresher workshop to revive their core skills in assessing KIvolunteers.

May 17-21, 2010 – Assessment Days. KI will be selecting volunteercandidates that will be part of the roster of 6th Batch of KIVolunteers.

May 29, 2010. Parents - Volunteers Convergence. Orientations forparents and volunteers about the nature of volunteering works.This time, parents will sign the Parents’ Consent.

June and July 2010 - Volunteers’ Development Training. Capabilitybuilding activities for volunteers to prepare them in theirvolunteering works.

July 10, 2010 - Launching of the 6th batch of KI Volunteers.

July 14-17, 2010 - 5th Batch Yearend Evaluation. Volunteers withending placements must attend to this workshop. This workshopwill evaluate the one year placement of volunteers and preparethem for their future careers.

July 21, 2010 - KI 6th year Anniversary Celebration of KI.

July 30, 2010 - Volunteer Send-off. A one day activity for volunteerto get familiarized with the Volunteers Manual and M and Emechanisms of KI.

August 1, 2010 - Start of Volunteer Placement.

During the 2002 UN World Summit on SustainableDevelopment held at Johannesburg, South Africagovernments and the civil societies were involved. The SouthAfrican government has set up a Multi Stakeholder AdvisoryCommittee which includes representatives of Civil Societyand other interest groups such as, business and others.The Civil Society secretariat was composed of NGOs,women’s groups, faith-based organizations, trade unions,traditional leaders and civic associations. The overarchingtheme of the summit was the eradication of poverty as ameans to sustainable development. The Global NGO Forumhas identified 3 crosscutting issues; Governance and self-determination; Globalisation and Building Social Movement.In the same breadth seven daily themes were identified suchas: 1. Human security; 2. Environment; 3. FinancingDevelopment; 4. Trade and Economics; 5. Science andTechnology; 6. Health and Education; and 7. Food Security.Most of these issues are inextricably interlinked and reflectwider global debates and in most cases government andcivil society differ on how these issues should be addressed.

While in Islam Sustainable Development or SD is not a newconcept. Governments and civil society may have recentlyadopted it but the principles, which underpin it, have existedfor centuries. In the Qur’an and in the Sunnah of our belovedHoly Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the (cont. on page 9)

By: Dr. Abd Nasser C. Mendoza

1212121212

WW WW Wanna Be A KI Vanna Be A KI Vanna Be A KI Vanna Be A KI Vanna Be A KI Volunteer?olunteer?olunteer?olunteer?olunteer?KAPAMAGOGOPA INC. (KI) adheres to theconviction that volunteering is a very powerfulmodality in mobilizing youth in addressingdevelopment and peacebuilding.

With the current situation that Philippines is inright now and the plight of the Muslims in general,we say that the Muslim youth can make a differenceand contribute a positive impact in the society.

KI is recruiting Young Muslim ProfessionalVolunteers who are willing to become peace weavervolunteers and willing work for social developmentin Muslim and Non-Muslim communities.

KI opens a unique opportunity to all Young MuslimProfessionals to share their skills and be of servicein the community. This is also an avenue forpersonal and professional growth as they would:

- Have skills enhancement trainings - Be exposed to diverse cultures - Live and work in a challenging

environment

To know more about the volunteeringprogramme of KI, visit us at:

Be an inspiration to others,Be an inspiration to others,Be an inspiration to others,Be an inspiration to others,Be an inspiration to others, Be a KI Volunteer. Be a KI Volunteer. Be a KI Volunteer. Be a KI Volunteer. Be a KI Volunteer.

"Believing in Change but K"Believing in Change but K"Believing in Change but K"Believing in Change but K"Believing in Change but Keeping the Feeping the Feeping the Feeping the Feeping the Faith"aith"aith"aith"aith"

Door F6 Monlan Apartment, Purok Anthurium, Mahayahay, Iligan City Telefax No.: 63 63 221-5523 Email: info@ki-volunteer.org Website: www.ki-volunteer.org