Local Partners
July 18, 2009In organizing workcamps, WINPHIL is cooperating with the Department of Environment And Natural Resources (DENR), DEpartment Of Tourism (DOT), University of San Carlos (USC), The Freeman, Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) and Coastal Dynamics Foundation (CDF).
Local beliefs and religious practices
July 17, 2009
Religion plays a crucial part in shaping human life and society. Unfortunately, it is also one of the greatest sources of conflict in the world. One of the most fascinating elements in taking part in a workcamp in a different continent is the opportunity to live and work with people of very different faiths. “I had never before heard the wonderful stories of Ganesh and Shiva and the many Hindu gods. Seeing how they are such an integral part of Indian life, how my workmates accepted their existence unquestioningly was a revelation.” Anne, (India 1999)
Some religious practices may seem barbaric (like the sacrifice of animals) and therefore difficult to accept, but you need not agree with these practices. The important thing is to avoid insulting one’s hosts by criticizing their religious practices.
Go Local
The international workcamp group interacts with the local people in the community where the project is based. This experience broadens their perspective of the world, and oftentimes, an eye opener for a local participant. “During our coastal clean-up in San Vicente Village, I can’t imagine how dirty is my home town. I really appreciate the foreign volunteers to do the first move so that people in our village will be aware of the problem. It was indeed surprising to see lots of plastic in our coastal area, very memorable in my part.” (Bryan, Philippines, February 2004)
