SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
MANILA, Philippines – Out of a hundred programs, De La Salle Zobel’s (DLSZ) Best Buddies Promoters received the Overall Outstanding Promoters Award at the Best Buddies International 26th Annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference.
The award is a big achievement for DLSZ’s Best Buddies Promoters, established in November of 2014. It currently has 28 participants.
Below is the release in full:
The Best Buddies Promoters at De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ) in Manila, Philippines were presented with the 2014-2015 Overall Outstanding Promoters Award at Best Buddies International’s 26th Annual Best Buddies Leadership Conference.
De La Salle Zobel was selected from more than 100 Best Buddies Promoters programs throughout the world as the Overall Most Outstanding Promoters program for its dedication to the Best Buddies mission.
Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Leadership Conference prepares student leaders to operate the Best Buddies chapters at their schools, which involves recruiting new members, planning group activities for their chapters, and promoting social integration for people with IDD.
The Promoter program at De La Salle Zobel, which has 28 participants, was started in November of 2014. Best Buddies Philippines operates 5 chapters in middle schools, high schools, and colleges.
“We are so proud of what DLSZ has accomplished in such a short time. With the full support of their school principal and their faculty advisors’ guidance, the students were successful in spreading Best Buddies’ mission of friendship and acceptance. They are truly making a difference in their community,” said Country Director, Anj Onrubia, MD.
“The students of DLSZ really surprised me, not just with their innovativeness and excitement in creating fun activities that were inclusive, but also with their tenderness and compassion in making new friends. I enjoyed seeing each of the students grow as they explored the beginnings of new friendships,” added Program Manager Michelle Aventajado.
Best Buddies International has a partnership with Unilab Foundation in its operation in the Philippines. Unilab Foundation addresses societal gaps in the Philippines which are of high need and high neglect. They are committed to widen the safe space for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities through Project Inclusion. Best Buddies Philippines is a project within Project Inclusion.
Nearly 2,100 students, leaders, volunteers and staff members, representing Colombia, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Germany, Hong Kong, Macau, Mexico, Northern Ireland, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Spain, and the United Kingdom traveled to Indiana University in Bloomington to participate in the three-day conference, from July 17-20 with over 2,000 American delegates, plus a day pre-conference focused on global issues from July 14-16. Working under the theme, “I’M IN,” these students were selected for their active leadership roles within Best Buddies. These students attended a series of interactive workshops focusing on leadership development, community service, civic responsibility, IDD, and volunteerism. Major components of the Leadership Conference were live streamed online, showcasing the amazing performances, speakers, and education sessions that took place this year.
The opening ceremonies and closing ceremonies, as well as the Saturday educational sessions were streamed live at bestbuddies.tv. – Rappler.com
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.