What is it to know about We Spark Action?

                            WE SPARK ACTION (Spark) is a non-government and non-profit organization in the Philippines that aims to empower the youth through international voluntary service (IVS) exchanges and activities. It primarily focuses its concerns on social issues like education, health, environment, cultural engagements and community development.  

                SPARK is a duly registered organization with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) with Registration Number: CN 201127751 in Cebu City since May 2011.

SPARK was established through a partnership with development workers and supporters as well as local community leaders.  It is the result of almost a decade of experience in the field of voluntary service through bilateral volunteer exchanges. The founders of SPARK pool an extensive experience in children and youth work, training, research and community development.  

VISION

SPARK envisions being a leader in social services, a catalyst for youth empowerment and intercultural exchange and a mentor of voluntary work for youth development.

MISSION

·        To promote international voluntary service exchanges

·        To nurture community development efforts and volunteerism

·        To provide globally competitive training programs on youth service and leadership

·        To promote learner-centered training programs

·        To establish a network of volunteers and experts in social development

SERVICES

The objectives of SPARK work through six banner programs called I-SERVE:

· International Exchange Programs and Activities will allow young people to gain a global outlook on cultural diversity, appreciate other cultures and learn to interact with all kinds of people from different parts of the world.

· Service Training and Capability Building will organize training on youth service and youth development programs to be conducted by development experts.

·  Establishment of a database of experts and youth volunteers will build a strong network of social development workers and advocates who are diverse and well-informed.

·   Research on youth issues and concerns will develop different youth-related studies to provide updated information and enhance youth development.

· Volunteer Activities will promote activities that foster community development through friendship, teamwork and service.

· Experiential Activities will ensure active youth participation in community development through committed service in their chosen communities.

PROGRAMS

·    Long Term Volunteer: Work as a volunteer in a project for 6 to 12 months

·   Short Term Volunteer: Work as a volunteer in a project 2 to 16 weeks

·  International Work camp: Volunteers from different countries will work for a project for 2 weeks

·  Bilateral work camp program: Volunteers from  one c country will work together with local Filipino volunteers for a 2 week project

· Filipino- international exchange program- immersion/ exposure of young Filipino to international countries.

·    Capacity Building Program: Training programs offered or provided to young Filipino

·   Local volunteer program: Exposure / immersion of young Filipinos to local communities in the Philippines to advocate issues on community, environment, health, urban/ rural situation. 

OBJECTIVES

·         To promote peace and unity through intercultural exchange and activities.

·         To encourage and invite social development experts to participate and be involved in youth development.

·         To inspire youth to do volunteer work.

·         To establish reliable data and situation on youth development.

MEMBERSHIP AND PARTNERS

SPARK is an official international partner of the Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS), the ALLIANCE of European Voluntary Service Organizations (ALLIANCE), the International Cultural Youth Exchange Federation (ICYE), the Network for Voluntary Development in Asia and the Pacific (NVDA). It is also a duly registered Youth Serving Organization of the National Youth Commission, a National Government  Agency under the Office of the President of the Philippines.

SPARK currently works with several National and Local Non-Government Organizations and Local Government Units in the Philippines like Gualandi Volunteer Service Program Inc. (GVSP), Action for Nurturing Children and Environment Inc. (ANCE), Balay Samaritano sa Sugbo, Albert Schweitzer Familienwerk Foundation Philippines, Inc. (ASFFPI),La Consolacion College of Bais City, Betty Bantug Benitez Foundation, Edukasyon Para sa Kinabukasan Inc. (Eduk Inc.), Abcede Memorial Library Center, Provincial Government of Negros Oriental, Lapu-lapu City Government and other local public institutions in Cebu Province.

PRINCIPALS OF WORK

                SPARK will do its best to support its volunteers and to facilitate constructive and educational experiences. However, our projects are organized according to the Filipino standards of living and culture. Volunteers will need to adapt to simple living conditions and local food.

                The philosophy of volunteerism is the work base of SPARK and potential volunteers are expected to understand this philosophy; and to share and participate actively in its practice. Sending organizations are expected to provide volunteers with the SPARK documentation (work camp program, info sheet and info pack), and inform them of the do’s and don’ts of Filipino culture. Holding of pre-departure trainings that include introduction to International Voluntary Service fundamental principles; introduction to the basis of intercultural learning and cultural diversity; non-violent communication; problem solving; conflict management; and active participation in voluntary service projects are highly recommended.

                All SPARK projects are open to volunteers who are 18 years old when the program starts. There is no maximum age limit and the participation of “grown up” volunteers is encouraged to increase the intergenerational dimension of SPARK projects and exchanges.

                For the entire duration of the project, all volunteers are required to individually subscribe to a private insurance covering third party liability, health care and repatriation. Proof of payment and description of subscribed services must be presented to the SPARK camp leader at the beginning of the camp. No exception will be allowed as participants without proper insurance cannot be accepted for legal reasons. 

For Inquiries, you may contact:                                 

Ms. May Antoniette Sun

National Coordinator

Door 4, 2/F Causing- Feria Bldg., Osmeña Boulevard Cebu City

Telephone Number +63 32 4123102

Mobile Number  +63 922 8603831