SJCBI Guidance and Counseling Office, in partnership with the UGAT Foundation (Ugnayan at Tulong para sa Maralitang Pamilya Foundation, Inc.) of the Ateneo de Manila University, conducted a webinar entitled “ANAK (Anak ng Nangibang bansa Aruga at Kaagapay) May Bukas pa sa Panahon ng Pandemya” from March 11 and 12, 2021 marking the anniversary of the Luzon-wide lockdown.
The Anak Webinar is a values formation workshop for children of overseas workers directly affected by their parents’ migration. The workshop dealt with feelings associated with being a child of a migrant as well as their coping.
The participants were divided into two batches, each assigned to a particular day. The first batch is composed of 21 students and the other 15.
The Project Director of UGAT Foundation, Mr. Carlos Lagaya, gave the welcome remarks followed by the opening prayer. He then introduced the mentors of the workshop.
The participants were divided into three small groups wherein the students were allowed to share their struggles during the pandemic, worsened by their parents’ absence.
According to post-evaluation reports, most of the students said they learned to be strong, independent and reliable in household chores. Moreover, the children of OFWs also realized the reasons why their parents had to leave home.
The Guidance and Counseling Office thanked the UGAT Foundation for having a program which helps the students to cope up amidst pandemic.
Another schedule was requested for another batch which may be conducted during Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 in the morning and 2 to 4 in the afternoon.
The seminar ended with a closing prayer and picture taking with the speakers.
The UGAT Foundation, headed by the Jesuit priest Fr. Nilo Talanega, is a ministry organized for grassroots families and part of its mission is to conduct psychological interventions and family systematic approaches.
By: Ms. Janice Balintec-Parel
