Download a PDF of the 2013 Interim Semester Handbook.

House building in BantayanS06Cebu,PhilippinesSERVICESponsorMark SwarstadSaylar CraigPriceS$2,000Course Length7 daysDescriptionGawad Kalinga (GK), translated into English means “to give care,” andstarted just thirteen years ago in the Philippines. It is a partnership ofdifferent groups within the Philippines has the goal of eradicating poverty.Our SAS group will fly to Cebu and travel to a GK village on the island ofBantayan. Knowledge of Filipino culture will grow as we visit two publicschools during our stay. Along with this will be four days of work – helping toconstruct two houses, which will become the homes of people we work with.We will be instructed in how to use simple tools and how to mix, sift, lift andplace materials needed for construction. There will be lots of interactionwith the Filipinos in the village and you will leave feeling good about thecontributions we have made. You will also be tired.We leave Singapore on February 16 and return on the February 22.Post-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsObjectives• To increase student awareness of the actions which Gawad Kalinga istaking to eliminate poverty in the Philippines.• To involve students in hands-on house-building service work alongsideFilipinos of all ages.• To understand and become acquainted with some of the history andculture of the Philippines.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Pass a physical examination and a medical clearance (Tetanus shot isneeded).• Learn the goals and aspirations of being involved in Gawad Kalinga.• Complete some readings about the Philippines and its people.Post-Course requirements:• Keep a daily journal including observations and reflections from theworksite.• Write a reflective essay on personal experiences during the week.• Plan and participate in the Interim Semester Presentation Night.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 71