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Written by: Raymart V. Maruquez

Four Filipino volunteers from partner Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) of the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) recently concluded their international volunteer assignments in Germany. The volunteers, representing Quirino State University (QSU), Central Philippines University (CPU), University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP), and Romblon State University (RSU), paid a courtesy visit and exit meeting with PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe on February 14, 2025.

The 4 volunteers with PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe before their volunteer assignment to Germany

The volunteers participated in the “South-North Component of the weltwärts Program,” a joint initiative funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Ev.-Luth. Church in Northern Germany (Nordkirche). The program is facilitated by Global Initiative for Exchange and Development (GIED), Inc., a PNVSCA-registered international volunteer service organization based in Cebu.

The volunteers with PNVSCA Executive Director Donald James D. Gawe after their international volunteer service

All four (4) volunteers were assigned to the Ökumenewerk der Nordkirche (ZMO) and focused on supporting seafarers. While their placements shared this common theme, each volunteer brought unique backgrounds and experiences to their roles. ZMO provided comprehensive support, including accommodation, health insurance, German language training, and regular check-ins.

  • Mr. Sanny Boy Fajutrao (RSU), with an agricultural background, aimed to understand the lives of seafarers. He immersed himself in their community, assisting them and participating in religious and social gatherings. Despite initial challenges adjusting to the maritime industry and facing some rejections, Fajutrao found the experience invaluable. He observed Germany’s healthcare system and recognized the realities of living abroad. He reported significant personal growth, including improved communication and problem-solving skills, and expressed interest in returning to the Seaman’s Mission for employment.
  • Ms. MC Mace Sulayao (CPU), whose background is in business management, also sought to learn about seafarers’ lives. She assisted them and participated in community events. Sulayao noted the challenges of managing household tasks in a new environment but appreciated the constant support provided. She also gained experience navigating diverse social settings. She emphasized the value of volunteering for personal development and plans to return to Iloilo and continue her service as a chapter officer of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI).
  • Ms. Analyn Joi Velasco (QSU), a special needs education graduate, aimed to understand the seafarers’ experience. Her placement involved similar activities to the other volunteers. Velasco overcame the challenges of her first international flight and interactions with international organizations. She reported increased flexibility and enhanced communication and problem-solving skills. She plans to return to Quirino to teach privately and serve her community.
  • Ms. Sharifah Gwen Buna (USEP), also an education graduate and has experience working with the IFI church, also sought to understand the lives of seafarers. She participated in similar activities and appreciated the regular check-ins provided by ZMO. Buna, a recent college graduate, emphasized the importance of overcoming fear and reported increased independence and problem-solving abilities. She plans to return to her community and continue her involvement in church and youth ministry. She also plans to prepare for the Licensure Examination for Teachers.

The volunteers shared their experiences and offered advice to prospective volunteers, highlighting the diverse opportunities and significant personal and professional growth offered by international volunteering. Their experiences underscore the crucial role of host organizations in supporting successful volunteer placements. PNVSCA continues to facilitate these valuable international exchanges, fostering intercultural understanding and contributing to individual and community development. Meanwhile, another two Filpino volunteers are scheduled to depart for Germany in March to assist seafarers and undertake a firsthand study of their working conditions and experiences.

With ED Gawe and the four returned volunteers are the GIED Facilitator Jennifer Pacursa (extreme left) and two volunteers Eula Montealto and Joshua Frio (extreme right) departing for Germany in March.

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The author is currently the Senior Volunteer Service Officer of the Program Coordination, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (PCMED), Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency.

Visit PNVSCA website (www.pnvsca.gov.ph) and PNVSCA Facebook (facebook.com/PNVSCA) for other stories and information on volunteering.