Every year, various French NGOs in Cebu, Philippines gather for the annual Gamesfest. It aims to create a spirit of camaraderie and teamwork amongst its beneficiaries, staff, and volunteers who come from all walks of life.
The 5th Annual Gamesfest was held last March 10th at the Family Park in Talamban, Cebu City.
Organized by Children of Asia, Enfants Du Mékong, the Jefpag Foundation, Life Project for Youth (LP4Y), and Passerelles numériques Philippines, the Gamesfest was one of the highlights of this year for these French NGOs. It was attended by over 300 students as well as a number of volunteers and staff from the various French NGOs, PN students making up half of the total number of attendees. They participated in the different activities coordinated by the organizing committee.
The theme for this year was team building and solidarity. As with past editions of the Gamesfest, its aim continues to be to develop and maintain a good relationship between the beneficiaries, staff and volunteers.
Shirly Kumar, Education Manager for PN Philippines tells us about preparations prior to the main event: it took them 3 months of planning and organizing with the volunteers and staff from other NGOs.
Thanks to the education team we were able to prepare and organize our activities within the time frame given to us.
Shirly KumarStudents enjoyed different games and sports that challenged their physical strength, endurance, flexibility, organizational skills, and even their thinking and reasoning abilities. From relay race to mind games, our students ignored the prickly heat and the sweat trickling down their backs. The Gamesfest was also paramount in developing their social skills, which in turn develops their confidence. Their interaction with students and volunteers from the other NGOs allowed them not only to make new friends but also get new insights into the lives of other people.
Members of two groups of students shouting orders as they try to lead their teammates
One of our students shares her experience, summarizing the objective of the Gamesfest:
Best Gamesfest experience ever!
2019 is an incredible year for me as a 3rd-year PN student. Since it was the last time that I could join the activity as a student, it was necessary to make the most out of it.
Each experience has taught me something I could not have learned otherwise. Through those games, I have had a lot of challenges but a lot of lessons as well. Embodying core values of PN that ingrain my willingness to prove that I am capable of doing something. As I looked at everyone else around me, I noticed that we all forced ourselves to put up a smile to cover up the difficulties that everyone endured.
I really enjoyed and I am so grateful to PN for the purge; it’s like sailing along with the wind instead of opposing its force. My most valuable lesson is that there’s no accurate measure for happiness unless you surround yourself with positive people and learn how to release your mind from all the fear and regrets. Definitely looking forward to joining Gamesfest 2020!
Rinalyn Bonajos