Today has been stressful and eye-opening. 1. Schools, government, organisations don't really work together. That's a tough one to change alone. Principles in schools don't even communicate with the teachers. That's deuce trouble. 2. Poverty is no longer seen in just money anymore. But in access, social deprivation, health and education. My job since setting up the project was to create powerpoints in which I try and make sure the Filipinos contribute. However, the horrible truth is that the ability to improvise, wing it isn't possible. They're used to spoon feeding and being told what needs to be done. Since I have two Filipinos with me at work, trying to direct them instead of spoon feeding has been hard. Not that I complained at first, but its a tough one to tackle, alone. In some ways, this made me sad because they're capable of achieving more than they have. It will be a different kind of accomplishment but it has to be more, surely!?

As we gathered to sum up our first presentation, the Filipinos got the activities down. They knew what the other students has to do. Their own voice, their own kind of instruction! I knew that they knew. I tested them! and they throughly enjoyed presenting and recognising each others character traits, physical attributes and future goals. Self assessment and Deaf issues out the way. Now all we needed was an audience.

After getting ourselves into another pickle (its ridiculous now). We arrived to find we has to reschedule because their timetable was hectic, with exams and their traditional celebration ceremonies. So despite our confirmed schedule with the government, we needed to reevaluate our whole plan. If the teachers are not aware, we are looking at visiting all the schools, promoting and giving out acknowledgment receipts (that way, we have confirmed, both me and the teachers that a workshop will take place). We will have the government letter to back us up. For a volunteer, or anybody, it sure is a lot of hassle!

Schools are supposed to be working together and liasing with every staff they know. If they did, it would be so much easier. Hell, we may have done two workshops already!

I am nearly three days away from finishing the on-placement programme. I just hope this project carries on after I leave. Especially with all the resources I'm leaving behind (six PowerPoints and my own written facilitating guidebook). Not because I set it up, but because it motivates Filipinos to empower other deaf Filipinos out there. Especially one in particular. One whom I would describe as stubborn, strong and confident. A perfect role model. Her upbringing was tough, pretty much similar to many. Treated as a maid in her own home because she was seen as weak and incapable. Then one day, she stood her ground and wasn't going to take anymore bulls***.

What I found shocking was that her grade level at school is higher than her hearing relatives. Her family are singers and there's her who dances in the background.

She now presents many workshops given to her by GVSP and many people admire her enthusiasm. This is her future goal, helping others find empowerment. And with this project, she can do this.

Some say to me; "You have managed to convince the government to set up a project. That's hard. Even convincing the government in the UK isn't easy." I suddenly felt optimistic again but writing a letter with a few exaggerated pointers isn't the hard part. I spoke to one counterpart and she said "Deaf are stupid, because we lack education." Not only her, but our ICS coordinator admitted it. If Filipinos strongly believe that, how long will it take for that perspective to change?

Despite all the drama, its never good to quit.