By Mary Jane R. Amarado
ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 4 –Driven by a strong resolve
to provide its scholars with an avenue for self-development, the Overseas
Workers Welfare Administration Region 9 spearheaded a two-day Scholars’
Conference on 28 & 29 April 2012 at the Woodland Resort, Zambowood this
city.
A total of 36 scholars from the entire
region participated in the various games designed to have them interact and
work together for a common goal which focused on Self-Awareness, Team Building
and Effective Communication.
According to OWWA 9 Designate Authorized
Representative Leonilo Daymiel, the agency cited the need to ensure that the
scholars are well-equipped to become more responsible, driven and productive
members of the society.
The scholars were engaged in a meaningful
and active exploration of themselves and the issues facing their challenges as
a student and as an individual.
Sister Wendelina Mea, Dominacan Nun and a
Guidance Counselor at the St. Joseph High School was the resource speaker who
imparted the knowledge on developing and enhancing self-awareness since
understanding our own personality is also the key to unlock elusive human
qualities like leadership, motivation and empathy.
The scholars were made to participate on
self-awareness activities like “hand map” wherein they were made to draw their
own hand and in each finger they are to name a person whom they love; who have
hurt them; whom they can’t live without; whose values they admired most; and who
have changed them.
The event was graced by DOLE Regional
Director Sisinio Cano who in his inspirational message affirmed that the
scholars are the future leaders of our society thus he inspired them to become
confident and leaders incorporating what they will learn from the experience.
The Team building activities which were
facilitated by Labor Communication Officer Mary Jane Amarado were designed to
help scholars develop problem-solving skills and effective communication.
Activities like Building Bridges, Castle-Making, Message Relay and Mine Field
were enjoyed by the scholars.
Furthermore, she also stressed the
importance of these since effective
communication encompasses a variety of individual skills.
The scholars presented a song and dance
number during their socialization which was facilitated by Administrative
Officer Rosellie Florida which paved way for them to develop camaraderie and
unity among scholars.
A candlelight ceremony followed wherein
each scholars were made to light a candle and share the light to their
co-scholars who in one way or the other made an impact and became their friend during
the conference.
The event was capped with a declaration of commitment
from each scholar. The commitment were gathered and placed into an illustration
board which the OWWA will keep as a memorabilia of the said event. (MJRA/OWWA9/PIA9/ALT)