In 2012, the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) commissioned a study assessing the impact on communities of the National Service Training Program - Civic Welfare Training Service (NSTP-CWTS) and the Theology and Religious Education Two - Community Service Program (TREDTWO-CSP).
A total of thirty-seven (37) community leaders were interviewed to identify the following:
The perceived most beneficial service with greatest impact is tutorial, followed by feeding, clean-up and elderly program. The impacts of tutorial are manifested through improvements in children's or tutees' initiative to attend school regularly, desire to learn even in the summertime, academic performance or grades, self-confidence, acquisition of advanced knowledge and skills especially in reading and mathematics, ease of accomplishing homework and values acquisition.
Infographic Summarizing the Results of the Study
(Infographic may take a few seconds to load.)
Majority of the partners (7 of 9) have no perceived least beneficial service. The two others identified TREDTWO's service for the elderly and the CWTS clean-up program as least beneficial.
They considered the service to the elderly as least beneficial because it did not address the elderly's need for livelihood loans. The clean-up on the other hand, still left many dirty areas in the community. (The DLSU students were however, not faulted for this.)
Some of the identified positive effects subject-based social engagement are:
The partners identified health, livelihood, education and feeding-related programs as their need. These needs are currently being addressed through the four components of DLSU's SDG Localization Program.
Read Full Report Here:
Center for Social Concern and Action
Rm. 202, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417, 147
0 Comments
by Carl G. FernandezCarl served as COSCA-NSTP's Team Leader for the past 3 years. Prior to this, he alsoserved as Community Service Coordinator for 3 years and NSTP Class Facilitator for 3 years, respectively. Annually, the National Service Training Program - Civic Welfare Training Service and Literacy Training Service (NSTP-CWTS & LTS) under the supervision of the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) conducts the NSTP Partners and Facilitators Formation and Assembly. For several years now, the activity became a venue to acquaint with one another and to strengthen partnership and camaraderie among program stakeholders in pursuit of communion in mission amidst various challenges and changes. Over the years, NSTP's experiences at De La Salle University (DLSU) made remarkable impact among the students and partner communities in the course of community engagement and project implementation. The community partners in particular, have dedicated themselves to the program’s mission of raising Lasallians’ social awareness and involvement. Thus, COSCA was able to initiate meaningful activities, such as this, that value the active participation of all stakeholders and intensify their support and dedication to the program. This year, the gathering allowed the participants to learn from one another and deepen their understanding on the topics that include 'Fostering Communion in Mission' and 'Learning How to Effectively Deal with Lasallians' in the context of DLSU-NSTP (CWTS & LTS). The activity was conducted last June 24-25, 2017 at the Canyon Woods Resort Club, Barangay San Gregorio, Laurel, Batangas and was attended by around 30 NSTP Class Facilitators and 60 NSTP Community/Area Coordinators from various non-government organizations, people’s organization and the like. Through the activity, the following objectives were achieved: (i) Recognize the efforts and significant contributions of our Lasallian Formators and Partners in student formation and community development; (ii) Offer opportunities to intensify collaboration among NSTP Partner Organizations and Stakeholders; and (iii) Deepen their commitment to the Lasallian Mission. Ms. Ma. Lourdes F. Melegrito (COSCA Director) gave her welcome message wich dwelt on the importance of partnership and cooperation in program implementation. She acknowledged the vital contributions of class facilitators and area coordinators in the successful work of student formation and community development. More so, Atty. Jocelyn P. Cruz (External Affairs Director, RVR-COB) served as the resource person on the topic entitled “Dealing with Lasallians: Tips for Effective Classroom Session and Project Implementation in the context of DLSU-NSTP.” The second part of the assembly was a combination of getting to know activities, fun games, wellness activities, dyad sharing, group reflections and perspective-setting for the next academic year. The event also became a venue to discuss the changes and the new program setup for the coming year. For AY 2017-2018, NSTP will be under the supervision of the Dean of Student Affairs while the partner organizations will remain under the management of COSCA. The new setup paves the way for the planned merger of all NSTP components (CWTS, LTS, ROTC) under Student Affairs. Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall (Social Engagement, Advocacy and Formation) and Rm. 115, Miguel Bldg. (Service-Learning) De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417, 147 & 568 Over the years, De La Salle University’s (DLSU) National Service Training Program – Civic Welfare Training Service and Literacy Training Service (NSTP-CWTS/LTS) have overcome a lot of challenges in its administrative and operational milieu. The full implementation of the K-12 program led to a significant decrease in the number of NSTP enrolees. From an average of 3,000 first year students, only 1,200 enrolled this year. As a result, NSTP-CWTS/LTS sections were reduced from more than a hundred to 31 sections this year. Class load for NSTP Facilitators was also reduced. Facilitators were only given one section every Saturday morning. Afternoon sessions were no longer offered. Partner organizations (POs) were also reduced from 36 to 11, with proximity to the university as the main consideration in the selection process. POs located in Manila, Malabon, Caloocan (South) and Quezon City were prioritized as deployment sites. Making matters worse, an accident last February involving NSTP students from Bestlink College of the Philippines in Novaliches, Quezon City prompted CHED to Impose a Moratorium on Field Trips, Educational Tours and other similar activities.* Due to this, DLSU’s NSTP-CWTS/LTS program decided to conduct alternative activities inside the campus from March to June of AY 2016-2017. With all these changes and challenges, the NSTP-CWTS/LTS team initiated the Pagtatasa and Paghahabi, a program evaluation and curriculum development activity, which sought to gather the experiences of both class facilitators and partner organizations. It aimed to collectively identify challenges and enhancement opportunites in program operations and curriculum content. The evaluation process revealed that community immersion is essential for the formation and holistic development of Lasallian students. However, due to CHED's Moratorium on Field Trips, all program stakeholders agreed to implement their proposed projects within the campus. They also agreed to give students sufficient time to conduct their resource mobilization activities. As a matter of fact, NSTP (CWTS/LTS) Week was conducted for the first time last May 29 to June 3, 2017. The event allowed the students to inititiate their own resource mobilization activities to support their approved project and to promote their partner organization's cause. In addition to the adjustments made in program implementation, two key modules were also highlighted in the curriculum this year. To support the government's campaign against drug abuse, Drug Abuse Prevention and Education (DAPE) was incorporated in one of the NSTP sessions. A new module on disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) was also implemented. Efforts to integrate all NSTP components (CWTS, LTS and ROTC) under one unified program and unit are also on the way. Center for Social Concern and Action 2nd Floor, Br. Andrew Gonzalez Hall (NSTP and CE) and Rm. 115, Miguel Bldg. (Service-Learning) De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 524-4611 to 19 Locals 417, 147 & 568 *As of August 4, 2017, CHED has already lifted the moratorium on the conduct of field trips and other off-campus activities in public and private higher education institutions in the country.
carl fernandez“I want to come back and volunteer with my friends. I will recommend this program to my friends”, said Sohui Kim from South Korea. As part of her school's four-week field training and internship program, Kim - a Police Administration major from Sun Moon University in Asan-si, ChungNam, recently served as intern for the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) from June 30 to July 27, 2016. Her exposure started with an intensive orientation and “meet and greet” activity together with selected partner organizations. Subsequently, she immersed in various partner communities of COSCA starting with the Parent Support of God’s Grace Child Development Center Inc. (PSGGCDCI) in Payatas, Quezon City, followed by the Concerned Parents for Community Development Inc. (CPCD) in Tondo, Manila. She also spent time serving *Kababayan Samahan ng Bagong Barrio, Caloocan Inc. (KSBB), **Kababaihang Yumayabong, tungo sa Kagalingan (KAYUMANGGI) in Apolonio Samson, Quezon City, ***Samahan Kababaihan ng San Roque Navotas (SAMAKASANA), and the Leveriza barangays in the vicinity of De La Salle University. She participated in different organizational activities, kids' tutorials, interaction with local leaders and host families, site tour and Korean food preparation, among others. The program ended with an evaluation meeting and culminating activity with Kim and the participating organizations. At the closure of the internship, Ms. Ma. Lourdes F. Melegrito (COSCA Director) emphasized the important role of the participating organizations in molding not only Lasallian students but visiting foreign faculty and students as well. Given the university’s thrust on internationalization and the mandate of the ASEAN integration, it is expected that higher education institutions must become strong partners in addressing social problems and issues globally and locally. Kim's internship is part of the Collaborative Opportunities and Network-building towards Volunteerism, Engagement, Research and Glocal Education (CONVERGE) program developed by COSCA in 2015. CONVERGE intends to enhance global linkages and promotes global civic engagement and solidarity building among universities and colleges through the international exchange of students and faculty. The offering is open to all visiting foreign students, faculty members, school practitioners, and school administrators from various higher education institutions and schools worldwide. It provides a cross-cultural opportunity for participants to have a meaningful learning experience in a developing country such as the Philippines. Center for Social Concern and Action 2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 *Countrymen Organization in Bagong Barrio, Caloocan Inc.
**Women Flourishing towards Wellness ***Women's Organization of San Roque, Navotas City Continuing the efforts to create environmental champions, the Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) and the Lasallian Mission Office (LMO) of the Science and Technology Complex (STC), hosted the Eco Leadership Camp at the Leandro V. Locsin Campus in Biñan, Laguna. Held last July 29-30, 2016 with the theme “Kabataan: Ipagtanggol at Alagaan ang Kalikasan”, almost a hundred students comprised of selected Manila and STC based NSTP students participated in the overnight camp.
After some getting to know you exercises and group cheer presentations, students were led to the One Mission Park to pitch their tents. As the day broke, they were given raw ingredients for their dinner. Each group had their own cooking spot where they started their own fire and cooked their first meal as a group. The night was not over yet when campers were led to the covered court for their initial orientation as potential environmental champions. Ms. Terteem Gail Omaña, COSCA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Development Specialist, provided an overview of disaster as a concept. She also discussed what students can do to hone their skills and be engaged in disaster reduction efforts. These concepts of preparedness were translated into practical use when Mr. Enrique Roa, COSCA volunteer, taught the campers how to make their own para-cord bracelets. Originally used for parachutes, these cords can hold heavy weights without breaking. The campers capped the night with informal socials that helped them get to know each other better. As dawn emerged, the campers were greeted by the sound of a siren that served as their wake up call. STC student athletes led the campers in a warm up exercise and a 3-kilometer run around the campus to get their blood pumped. Still sweaty and ready for more action, the groups were led to the site where they individually planted native trees in support of the school’s reforestation efforts. The campers returned to the covered court after breakfast and were welcomed by Rescue 177 headed by Mr. Randy Delos Santos. Rescue 177 gave demonstrations on basic bandage use, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and rope rescue. As the demonstrations ended, the students were clustered and took turns doing the rescue exercises themselves. They also rappelled from the top of a building to experience high angle rescue management. They also tested their team's unity through the victim transport simulation. The final session consisted of a group race where they applied all the things they learned while being evaluated by the Rescue 177 staff. The camp was concluded by Mr. Lysander Rivera's talk on Ecological Conversion: Laudato Si, the Catholic Church’s teaching on the integrity of creation. He stressed the impact of human activity on climate change. He also discussed the task that is demanded from humans as stewards of God’s creation. The heart of the talk centered on the question “What kind of Earth do we want for the future?” Students responded to the message with creative presentations on how to care for Mother Earth. Lysander is a faculty member of the Theology and Religious Education Department (TRED) of DLSU. After a sumptuous boodle meal, the campers packed up and prepared for departure. They left camp with new friendships forged and new experiences that will hopefully spark an ecological revolution someday. Center for Social Concern and Action
2nd Floor, Br. Connon Hall, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila Telefax: (632) 523-4143 |