Philippines – The official launch of the TulayPinas Sustainable Development Project took place on Jan 11, 2025, at the Teodosio Cultural and Sports Complex in Banga. This event marked a significant milestone for the GFF HELPS Aklan Workers’ Association, bringing together members, local stakeholders, and online participants to celebrate the achievement. To ensure the inclusivity of attendees from outside Aklan and the Philippines, an online segment was held, allowing a wider audience to join the event virtually. This online session, lasting 15 minutes, was attended by representatives from various countries, past volunteers, and GFF friends, showcasing the international reach and support for the project. We deeply value Sir Owen’s ongoing support for the project, and Mr. Saom conveyed gratitude for his contributions. During an upcoming meeting, Mr. Saom will relay the success of the event to Sir Owen, highlighting the collective efforts of all those involved in bringing the project to life.

Following the online segment, the program continued in the venue, where we took the opportunity to recognize the presence of our association members and their skills. We also discussed the process we went through to register the association and the promising future of this project. The excitement in the room was clear as we looked forward to the continued growth and success of the initiative.
After the program, members of the association proudly showcased and sold their products to attendees. LP played a key role in recording the prices and making sure that the correct percentage allocations for the association were followed. The enthusiasm and pride from the members were obvious, and the positive reception from the attendees highlighted the great potential this project has in improving the livelihoods of the local communities.
Although Sir Owen was unable to be present at the launch due to unavoidable circumstances, we were honored to have Mr. James Keir step in on his behalf to officially launch the platform. Mr. Keir’s inspiring words and presentation captured the essence of the project and its importance, ensuring the event remained impactful and memorable. The development of the TulayPinas website has made significant strides following its successful launch. However, the team remains committed to improving its features and functionality to enhance the user experience. This week, the team convened for a productive meeting facilitated by LP, who guided members through the website’s navigation. Her walkthrough was based on instructions provided by the website’s developer, Mr. Tashi. Midway through the meeting, Mr. Tashi joined to share additional insights and provide hands-on guidance.

Despite some team members needing to leave the meeting due to other responsibilities, Mr. Tashi stayed on to focus on refining critical website components. He meticulously reviewed and corrected sections such as the FAQs and Terms and Conditions to ensure accuracy and clarity. Furthermore, he outlined additional tasks for the team, including:

Researching payment gateway options to streamline transactions.
Enhancing product descriptions for better user engagement. In addition to website development, the team is exploring avenues to secure future donor remittances. They are actively inquiring with various banks about opening a new bank account that is not directly associated with the GFF HELPS Aklan Workers’ Association. This initiative aims to ensure secure and transparent handling of donations.

These ongoing collaborative efforts are geared towards ensuring the TulayPinas website operates seamlessly and exceeds user expectations. The team’s dedication to continuous improvement highlights their shared vision of providing an accessible and efficient platform for its audience.
The website serves as a cornerstone of the project, and its development remains a priority as the team strives to deliver a reliable and user-friendly experience.

GFF has been providing English classes for community mothers three days a week—on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday—from 11 AM to 1 PM. This January, we focused on teaching the mothers how to ask and answer questions related to weekdays and months. The mothers also participated in pair reading in front of the class. By learning about weekdays and months, the mothers are now able to identify dates and understand the calendar in English, and they can also teach their children about these concepts. Additionally, we provided guidance on writing and memorizing the number of zeros in larger numbers such as hundred, thousand, lakh, and crore, helping them better understand these concepts. We also taught the mothers practical skills, such as how to fill out a cheque book, helping them become more independent in banking and make informed decisions about financial processes.
Through these lessons, we aim to provide the mothers with essential skills that will enhance their daily lives, strengthen their confidence, and support their role in their families and communities.

In January 2025, significant progress was made on the Aarambha project. On January 12th, we worked closely with Pradip Sir from our partner organization “CDS” and Mr. Bishwas Acharya, the lawyer, to provide the necessary documents for preparing the legal deeds. On January 21st, with support from Sapana Ma’am, a meeting was organized with the Aarambha mothers to draft an internal agreement. The meeting involved discussions around potential challenges and the creation of rules and guidelines to ensure the project’s sustainability. It was agreed that the mothers would finalize the internal rules and regulations within their group. On January 22nd, we reached out to the Babbal Host representative, and we gathered important details about their services. We also consulted with Tashi Sir, who provided advice on selecting the right domain name. A Google Meet session was held with Tashi Sir on January 23rd to discuss domain purchase and web hosting options. After the meeting, we shared the updates with Saom Sir, who offered valuable guidance that helped us make the final decision. On January 24th, we successfully purchased the domain and web hosting for two years, and both Saom Sir and Tashi Sir were notified of the successful completion. Finally, on January 26th, a follow-up meeting was held with the Aarambha mothers to finalize the internal agreement. This meeting lasted for two hours, focusing on ensuring that all members were aligned on the project’s objectives and rules. Overall, the project made substantial progress in January, and we are looking forward to further developments in the coming months.

On January 6, 2025, The Lunch Picnic project for the children of the “CDS” Daycare Center was successfully conducted as part of a belated celebration for Christmas and New Year. This initiative was led by GFF Helps Nepal representatives, Ms. Resha Silpakar and Mrs. Arju Bhattarai.
The project was undertaken for the children of the daycare to meet their nutritional needs and support for their overall growth and development, as every year GFF Helps Nepal has been conducting a lunch picnic to celebrate Christmas and New Year. We planned to continue this tradition of GFF Helps Nepal and organized a lunch picnic for the children of the “CDS” Daycare Center. Many of these children come from families that struggle to provide balanced meals, and this initiative ensures they receive the proper nutrition needed for their physical and mental well-being. A healthy diet plays a crucial role in helping children stay active, focused, and energetic, which positively impacts their learning and development.
The children enjoyed the meal and had a great time playing with balloons, nurturing a sense of community and happiness. The day was filled with laughter, fun, and gratitude, with the children expressing their appreciation for the meal and the experience. GFF Helps Nepal is honored to collaborate with the Child Development Society (CDS), an organization dedicated to promoting children’s rights and empowering women. CDS operates a daycare center in Kapan, supporting children from underprivileged backgrounds, and runs a health clinic that offers medical services to both children and the local community.
In January, GFF Helps Nepal representatives were grateful for the opportunity to engage with the children and spend time with them. We assisted Jaya Ma’am and Bhagwati Ma’am, the daycare facilitators, in teaching rhymes and helping with playtime, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for the children.
Additionally, we supported Samikshya Tiwari, the Health In-Charge at CDS, by organizing and writing the names on the official bills and assisting with captions for CDS’s Facebook posts. On January 17th, GFF Helps Nepal Representatives also helped Mr. Pradip Shrestha, the Program Manager at CDS, and Samikshya Ma’am in arranging parts for a wheelchair, further contributing to the wellbeing of the community.

On Monday, January 13th, GFF Helps organized an exhilarating inter-centre chess competition at the Bong SOGG Centre. Seventeen talented players from the SOGG Learning and Information Centres of Bong, Chhibo, and Pudung engaged in the competition consisting of five intense rounds, with victory determined by the highest cumulative points. Judged by arbiters from the Kalimpong District Chess Association, the participants showcased remarkable skill and strategy, leaving a lasting impression.
In the end, Ms. Lyang Ong Lepcha( Pudung Learning Centre), Ms. Nisu Lepcha (Chhibo Learning Centre), and Mr. Darshan Pradhan (Bong Learning centre) emerged victorious, but the competition was more than just about winning. It was a testament to the power of focus, strategic thinking, and perseverance—skills that extend far beyond the chessboard. Each move played was a lesson in patience and foresight, reinforcing that success comes not only from talent but from effort and determination.

On Friday, January 24th, GFF Helps organized an exciting inter-centre badminton competition at the Pudung SOGG Centre. Nineteen participants from the SOGG Learning and Information Centres of Bong, Chhibo, and Pudung displayed impressive skill and sportsmanship in a series of thrilling matches.
The event was judged by Mr. Pranay Gurung, Secretary of the Kalimpong District Badminton Association, and Mr. Nil Kumar, an executive member of the association. Under their expert supervision, the competition was intense and engaging. There were four categories – Under 15 boys (won by Mr Amit Subba , Pudung Learning Centre), Under 14 boys category ( Won by Mr Lovong Lepcha , Pudung Learning Centre), Senior Girls category ( won by Ms Norzong Lepcha , Pudung Learning centre ) and Junior Girls Category ( Won by Ms Jashmine Mangar, Pudung Learning Centre)
Lunch was provided for all participants, making the event both enjoyable and rewarding. Beyond the pursuit of victory, the event highlighted the importance of discipline, resilience, and teamwork—values that extend beyond the court. It was a celebration of not just athletic talent but also the spirit of perseverance and continuous growth, leaving both participants and spectators inspired.

On January 28th, GFF Helps organized an exciting inter-centre football competition at Glenn Ground, Chibbo Busty. Four teams participated—two from Chibbo Learning Centre, one from Pudung, and one from Bong, each consisting of nine players.
The competition, judged by Mr. Lingther Zion Lepcha, was filled with intense moments and thrilling displays of skill. After a series of hard-fought matches, the team from Bong Learning Centre emerged as the champions.
To recognize individual achievements, Mr. Lingther presented three special awards: Most Promising Player to Mr. Pranesh BK from Chibbo Team A, Best Goalkeeper to Mr. Rajat Tirwa from Chibbo Team A, and Best Player to Mr. Cephas Lepcha from Bong Team.The competition was a true celebration of teamwork and dedication, offering participants a chance to showcase their hard work and passion. It was a day filled with valuable lessons in resilience, collaboration, and the spirit of fair play, leaving everyone inspired and eager for the next challenge.

On January 17th, GFF Helps Representative Bipasha visited the SOGG Pudung Learning and Information Centre to conduct team-building activities through fun and engaging games. The games, including Chinese whispers and caterpillar balloon races, were designed to develop strong bonds of teamwork and cooperation.
The winning team was awarded a prize hamper for their efforts, but in a heartwarming act of friendship, they chose to share their prize with the members of the other team, demonstrating generosity and sportsmanship. It was a day filled with laughter, collaboration, and valuable lessons on the power of working together.These moments of unity will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the participants, reinforcing in them the importance of community and support.

On January 18th, GFF Helps Representative Surabhi visited the Bong Learning Centre to conduct and judge the talent show, which was a special event during the Winter Camp at the Bong SOGG Learning and Information Centre. The children showcased a variety of talents, from singing and dancing to acting and storytelling, leaving everyone in awe of their creativity and skill. Their performances were full of energy and passion, making the event truly memorable. At the end of the competition, the winners- Sonu and group for Lepcha Dance, Darshan and Tsheten for their group singig and Shreya and Akansha for their Subba Dance Performance, were awarded prizes to celebrate their hard work and outstanding performances. It was a wonderful day that highlighted the incredible potential of the children at the centre.

In January, the health project, part of the GFF Helps India Long Term Project since 2020, was carried out with the coordinators from Bong, Chibbo, and Pudung, along with GFF Helps India Representatives. conducting free sugar and blood pressure tests for villagers, particularly benefiting the elderly. This initiative provides crucial health screenings, allowing early detection of potential health issues and offering the elderly a chance to monitor their well-being. Through this project, many people in the villages gain access to important health services, empowering them to take charge of their health and improving their quality of life. GFF Helps India provided first aid kits to the Bong, Chhibo, and Pudung Learning Centres for their winter camp events, ensuring the safety and well-being of the children during various activities. Since the events included physical games and active participation, having these kits ready is crucial in case of any emergencies. The first aid kits contain all the necessary items, including pain relief sprays, bandages and ointments to help provide immediate care for minor injuries, offering peace of mind to both organizers and participants.
Through this activity GFF Helps India aims to create a safe and nurturing environment where the children can fully enjoy their learning experiences without worry.

As a part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the Project Roots initiative, the GFF HELPS Sri Lanka team visited three remarkable sites this month: Ape Gama, Ibson’s Choice Café, and 7 Win Restaurant in Kaduwela. Ape Gama, a recreation of a traditional Sri Lankan village, offered invaluable insights into the island’s rich cultural heritage. The team explored its authentic architecture, artisanal crafts, and age-old practices, gaining inspiration to integrate these elements into the cultural exchange aspects of the project. The visit provided a vivid glimpse into the vibrant traditions that make Sri Lanka unique, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural diversity we aim to promote.

The Ibson’s Choice Cafe is an ideal location for mini events, farewell parties and inauguration ceremonies for Project Roots. Similarly, the visit to 7 Win Restaurant, known for its traditional Sri Lankan setting and hospitality, further enriched our understanding of cultural immersion. The restaurant’s ambiance, which features rustic wooden interiors and locally-inspired décor, creates a perfect environment to experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. The GFF HELPS team is excited to incorporate these learnings into future program designs, paving the way for a more immersive and enriching volunteer journey.

To promote the English, ICT, and dancing classes conducted at the Sri Lanka Unites Gampaha Reconciliation Center, the GFF HELPS Sri Lanka team visited the Grama Niladhari Office in Vishakawatta, Ekala. This outreach initiative provided a valuable opportunity to meet with parents who regularly visit the office to meet the Grama Niladhari. The team engaged in meaningful conversations, sharing details about the classes, including schedules, venues, and instructors, while highlighting their benefits for children and youth in the community.

By creating awareness, the team emphasized how these classes could empower students with essential skills for their personal and professional growth. Parents expressed enthusiasm about these free learning opportunities and appreciated the efforts made to uplift the community. GFF HELPS remains committed to ensuring access to education and fostering talent through such initiatives.

The GFF HELPS Sri Lanka team successfully commenced the registration process for the 11th cohort at the Sri Lanka Unites Gampaha Reconciliation Center. During the registration, parents and children were informed about the class schedules, which include English, ICT, and dancing sessions tailored to enhance skills and creativity. The team ensured that all necessary details were collected, creating a smooth and efficient process.

Parents also signed consent forms, expressing their eagerness for their children to participate in these free classes. This initiative not only marks the beginning of a new learning journey for the children but also reflects the ongoing commitment to empowering young minds through education and extracurricular activities.

The GFF HELPS Sri Lanka team in collaboration with Sri Lanka Unites conducted the first session of the Advanced Level English class, starting with self-introductions to build rapport and create a comfortable learning environment. The team explained the program’s objectives, the unique approach of the course, and how it differs from traditional school teachings. The focus will be on practical language use, integrating listening and speaking activities to improve fluency, alongside grammar and vocabulary building. The class schedule was also outlined, with 30 minutes dedicated to theory and grammar, and 1 hour for interactive activities and skill development.

To make the session engaging, students were given a 10-minute activity to plan their next five years, encouraging them to express their thoughts in English. This activity not only sparked meaningful discussions but also highlighted the program’s focus on real-life application of language skills. The session set a promising tone for the course, with students eager to participate and improve their English proficiency.

The GFF HELPS Sri Lanka team in collaboration with SLU launched English classes for students aged 15-17 with an engaging first session. The class began with self-introductions, allowing the students to practice speaking in English while building their confidence. To make the session interactive, the team introduced new vocabulary and encouraged students to use these words in their conversations.

The focus of the session was to create a practical learning experience, moving beyond theoretical concepts to real-life language application. By fostering a supportive and interactive environment, the students showed enthusiasm to improve their skills, setting the stage for consistent progress in the upcoming sessions.

The GFF HELPS Sri Lanka team in collaboration with Sri Lanka Unites, met with the Officer-in-Charge of the Women and Children’s Division at the Ja-Ela Police Station, the Principal of G.B. Senanayake National School, and prominent social workers from the Ekala area to discuss expanding Sri Lanka Unites’ operations in Gampaha. The meeting addressed critical social issues, including domestic violence, sexual abuse, teen pregnancies, and drug abuse, particularly among factory workers in the area.

Discussions focused on how GFF HELPS and Sri Lanka Unites can collaborate with local stakeholders to design and implement impactful programs. The team explored ways to raise awareness, provide educational workshops, and offer support systems to address these pressing challenges. This meeting marked an important step in building stronger networks to support the well-being of vulnerable groups in the community.

In appreciation of their invaluable contributions, heartfelt birthday greetings and cards were prepared for Sir Owen and Mr. James Keir. Association members, students, and volunteers from multiple countries expressed their gratitude, reflecting the far-reaching impact of their generosity.