As the year passes, the world reflects on the past twelve months and looks forward to the changes that 2014 has in store. Of course, in New Year fashion, typical 2014 resolutions include “healthy eating” or “losing weight”, but why don’t we venture out “to try out different types of service”? Through the blur of 2013, we think back on the ICARE experience and consider the “what if’s”.
With a collection of 29 sites, friendships were bound to be forged along the ICARE journey. Traditionally, provincial sites made relationships convenient because of the sheer amount of time spent together. Sofie Jimenez recalls the dynamic of her friendships during her ICARE at PREP to be “electric”; Juliana Antonio even regards the relationships she made as “one of the best parts of the whole experience”.
On the other hand, Metro Manila sites tended to create an uneasy atmosphere because the bonding process was slower. Despite this, the awkward notion of intermixing between different social groups passed once “we all got a feel for the cause: giving the kids the best week possible”, according to Chantal Maruata. “We managed to bond in the most unexpected ways!,” she adds.
Even with such a memorable experience as ICARE 2013, struggles invariably appeared. By developing ‘ICARE Resolutions’, it can be beneficial to all parties involved for having a much more accomplished week in service. Juliana Antonio and Valerie Toze determined that the one skill they wish topossess is to speak Tagalog fluently so they can “explain difficult concepts” and “allow bonding with the kids”. Another resolution, according to Javier Syquia, is to get more involved in different service types, particularly manual labor because “building multiple classrooms gives children an extra year of education at least”.
With any luck, ICARE 2014 will share the same positive outcomes as this year and hopefully, these 2014 ICARE resolutions will turn into actions.
Written By: Ysabel Ayala
Photographs courtesy of the ICARE Flickr page (2013-14)
