Gualandi Volunteer Service Programme

During my time in Cebu I will be working with the Gualandi Volunteer Service Programme in partnership with the VSO. As you know I'm seeking to raise money for the VSO. This is so they can carry on working the GVSP. Therefore here is some background information on the charity your donations will be going towards.

GVSP VISION

A Deaf inclusive Filipino Society

GVSP MISSION

To harness the potential of volunteers in advocacy and education and to contribute in building sustainable resources.

GVSP CORE VALUES

To empower volunteers with the necessary knowledge, skills and values to become competent, creative and pro-active person, who are open to change and have a deep sense of Justice, Faith and Solidarity.

HOW IS IT RUN?

The GVSP relies on a mixture of hearing and hard of hearing volunteers, from both the Philippine and internationally. Using the skills, time and dedication of volunteers the GVSP can: effectively run campaign programmes; provide courses in sign language; help increase accessibility for Deaf persons; provide information about human rights and increase access to education

WHAT I WILL BE DOING

1. Increasing the awareness of Deaf youth on their human rights and civic duties by conducting learning activities with Deaf youth and awareness campaigns to reach out to the wider community.

2. Increasing access of Deaf youth to further education and skills training by developing training modules and conducting life skills and development and leadership training

3. Increasing capacity of GVSP in managing its Deaf programme through resource mobilisation and public engagement 

PRESENT GVSP CAMPAIGNS

'Break The Silence'

Is a campaign against Deaf child sexual abuse. The project has several functions. One of them is raising awareness about the prevalence of abuse against Deaf persons. Did you know for example that in the Philippines 70% of deaf women and children experience some form of physical and sexual abuse (statistic taken from GVSP website). Furthermore the WHO recorded that children with disabilities are four times as likely to experience violence than non-disabled children and are 2.9 times more likely to be victims of sexual violence.

'Break the Silence' also works alongside the police in Cebu; providing staff with sign language courses and training. Without this basic training many crimes would go unreported due to challenges in communication and understanding.

'Fully Abled Nation'

The campaign goal was to create enabling environments for people with disabilities to participate in the 2013 midterm elections; increasing voter participation and active citizenship. This participation is crucial in helping people with disabilities have a say in how their country is run and also increase their political autonomy.