The Madaris Volunteer Program and Al Qalam Institute (MVP-AQI) attended the 2022 Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) National Community of Practice entitled “Voices of Resilience: Building Peaceful Communities” last October 25-27, 2022 at New World Hotel, Makati City.
The Madaris Volunteer Program-Al Qalam Institute is one of the convenors of the Community of Practice (CoP) on Education together with the Teach Peace Build Peace Movement (TPBPM). As co-convenor, MVP-AQI led a series of pre-CoP meetings to discuss the updates, challenges, and ways forward of the CoP. During the National CoP event, the CoP on Education, the MVP-AQI, together with TPBPM and the other member organizations, commit to working together to make learning spaces as zones of peace that promote a culture of dialogue and respect, healing and reconciliation, and understanding. The CoP members will also be working together towards building a culture of peace in schools, communities, and our country.
Mr. Khevin Pepito, a Madaris Volunteer Program Volunteer Teacher in Batch 7, shared his volunteer and immersion experience while he was deployed in Tawi-Tawi. He shared how his fear of being deployed in a Muslim community transformed into acceptance, friendship, and love in the arms of his Muslim brothers and sisters. Gone is the fear and prejudice of the past, thanks to his meaningful and formative encounters with the people of Tawi-Tawi. Each organization also showcased the unique features and stories of its project supported by the GCERF.
The National Community of practice events was capped with a declaration and signing of commitment.
