Gawad Kalinga-Ateneo facilitates strategic planning workshop for Gawad Kalinga Australia

Gawad Kalinga-Ateneo (GKA), in collaboration with Gawad Kalinga Institute (GKI), facilitated the Strategic Planning Workshop for Gawad Kalinga Australia (GKAu) on 21 and 22 June 2024 at Our Lady of the Rosary Fairfield. The workshop highlighted GKAu’s commitment to addressing hunger and illiteracy in the Philippines, playing a crucial role in aligning the organization’s future direction with the core programs of Gawad Kalinga Philippines. Over the two-day event, strategic planning was emphasized as an essential tool to strengthen GK Australia’s capacity to support key initiatives such as Kusina ng Kalinga Plus (Zero Hunger), ARAL Program (Zero Illiteracy), and SEED Scholarship (Zero Unproductive Youth and Land).

GKAu leaders and members from New South Wales, Melbourne, and Perth convened with a focused commitment to capability building. Participants engaged in sessions designed to equip them with strategic tools and insights, empowering them to respond proactively to emerging challenges and maintain consistent support for GK Philippines' core programs.

Interactive activities included operational analysis, refinement of vision and mission statements, and discussions on key strategies, all deliberately presenting the connection of GKAu plans to the flagship initiatives of GK Philippines. The presence of veteran leaders like Marissa Vedar (Melbourne), and Curtis Alejo (Sydney) underscored the importance of aligning GK Australia’s plans with the broader goals of Gawad Kalinga’s humanitarian mission.

Ms Norlie Quesada (GK-Ateneo Director), facilitated the sessions, supported by Ms Pevee Carandang (GKA Program Development Officer) with Dr Victor Emmanuel Ozarraga (GK Institute Director), contributing as a virtual resource person.

The workshop’s collaborative approach equipped participants with tools to adapt quickly to changing conditions and highlighted the importance of strengthening GK Australia’s resilience and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving world.

Moving forward, strategic initiatives have been developed to ensure financial sustainability and effective resource mobilization for GK Philippines’ programs. These goals and plans help GK Australia attract and retain volunteers, ensuring long-term support for initiatives like Kusina ng Kalinga Plus, ARAL, and SEED Philippines.

In summary, this strategic planning workshop marked a significant step in reinforcing GK Australia’s role as a key catalyst for supporting Gawad Kalinga’s mission in the Philippines. The efforts in capability building and financial sustainability are expected to translate into substantial support for transformative programs.

To know more about and support Gawad Kalinga Ateneo’s work please email gka@ateneo.edu.

Photos courtesy of GK-Ateneo