Tatak Bayani: Equipping GK teams for the Bayani Challenge 2024

GK Ateneo conducted Bayani Challenge Training equipping GK workers, volunteers, and community members to launch the Bayani Challenge in their areas. A total of 298 participated in 9  pilot workshops conducted in Mandaluyong, Quezon City, and Sorsogon for Luzon, Capiz for Visayas, and Misamis Oriental for Mindanao.

Bayani Challenge (BC), the largest bayanihan event that promotes and implements community development in the Philippines, is set to take place across 21 locations in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao from 12 June (Independence Day) to 26 August (National Heroes Day). This year’s theme, “Tatak Bayani” aims to embody the spirit of heroism, love for God & country, and bayanihan that Gawad Kalinga champions. Activities include House Builds, Kusina ng Kalinga, Paraisong Pambata, Clean-up Drives and many more.

In preparation for this event, Gawad Kalinga-Ateneo (GKA), in partnership with Gawad Kalinga Institute (GKI), developed the Bayani Challenge Training Program to ensure that the core teams and implementers are equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge,and attitude. The training process involves workshops designed to guide the Area Team Leaders (ATLs) and Area Development Officers (ADOs) in strategizing and planning for their respective areas. This hands-on approach aims to foster effective and efficient implementation of the Bayani Challenge. So far, the Bayani Challenge training has reached 298 participants nationwide.

The training comprises three modules, each targeting specific aspects of the preparation. Module 1: “Appreciating my team and understanding my area” is a 2-day session where GK teams (ATLs and ADOs) convened per island group to share and discuss their understanding of their communities’ contexts, situations, and needs. Using the SOAR Framework, this module allowed the teams to express their appreciation for their teams’ strengths and aspirations and identify priority targets for the next two years. GKA and GKI facilitated Module 1 last 9-10 May 2024 for a total of 41 participants (10 in Luzon, 15 in Visayas, and 16 in Mindanao).

Module 2: “Designing our Bayani Challenge 2024”, focuses on drafting the Bayani Challenge plans for their areas. This module includes initial engagement with identified partners and designing programs to sustain the gains and volunteer participation from the implementation. From 11 May to 14 June GKA and GKI have facilitated a total of 9 sessions for Module 2 (1 online and 8 onsite), reaching a total of 257 participants from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Finally, Module 3: “Implementing BC 2024”, provides a platform for teams to share best practices and strategies for maximizing the potential gains from implementing the Bayani Challenge. This collaborative learning experience ensures that all teams are well-prepared to lead their communities in this significant bayanihan effort.

Through this comprehensive training, Gawad Kalinga aims to build a network of dedicated volunteers and leaders who are well-equipped to drive sustainable change and uplift marginalized communities, living up to the spirit of "Tatak Bayani."

For inquiries and interested volunteers, kindly email gka@ateneo.edu. For more information, you may follow the official Facebook Page of Bayani Challenge (https://www.facebook.com/bayanichallenge) or check out the website for FAQs (https://gk1world.com/BC2024).