In life, things don't go the way we plan it to be. Eventually, we are pushed into a corner where we feel that there is no way to escape. We then wait for the perfect opportunity to leave the "corner". As time goes by, we continue to wait. If we're lucky, we're given an opportunity. Most of the time, most people are still waiting.
*Few people do stop waiting for an opportunity. They realize that creating one is the only way out of the "corner." Tony Meloto is one of those few people. Almost every year, the Philippines experiences a natural disaster. These events damage people's homes and overall livelihood. The government and international relief may not be enough to restore the damages. That's when Tony Meloto comes in.
Gawad Kalinga Founder
Tony Meloto had created Gawad Kalinga: An organization that is dedicated to restoring people's livelihood that were destroyed from natural disasters in the Philippines. It consists of volunteers that serve in building homes and other commodities such as providing boats for fishermen who had lost theirs from a typhoon. In the interview, Tony expresses his concern for the poor. Instead of waiting for someone to help them, he'd rather take action now.
*****Tony also had created a book, The Builder Of Dreams, to inspire others to help others. Tony feels that the poor stay poor because those who have resources leave them behind. Effort to help the less fortunate can make a world a better place. Tony admits that critical people are fine in society. Critical people seek what problems exist. Tony wants to do more than that. He and his organization are solution-seekers.
How Far They've Accomplished
Recently, Gawad Kalinga had built 1200 homes and gave away more than 600 boats to fishermen. They've also repaired schools, planted trees, and participated in medical missions.
****Tony acknowledges that the Filipino people had done good impacts in other countries. He requests for them to also do as much good impact to their motherland as well. With his challenge being over-accomplished, I feel that his request had been answered. The organization gave themselves a challenge to raise about 1 million volunteers in 2 months starting April 9. They ended up raising 1.6 million volunteers that helped serve in restoring the communities.
The Youth And Social Media
Tony states that he enjoys working with the youth. From his experience, he acknowledges that the youth are very strong advocates of the organization. Their tools in advocating is social media. It was the only tool Gawad Kalinga had used to advertise themselves; Not mainstream media.
***Tony says in the interview, "They are not trapped in the box." He has nothing but faith that the youth will be the generation that will build the future of the Philippines. So with that said, watch the interview of Tony Meloto. Hopefully you too will be inspired to be part of the solution.
**
"When bad things happen, just do more good."
Interview Video Link:
Contact Links:
Gawad Kalinga Organization: http://gk1world.com/home
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GawadKalingaHQ
Facebook:
Tony Meloto: https://www.facebook.com/tonymeloto
Gawad Kalinga: https://www.facebook.com/gawadkalinga
Twitter:
Tony Meloto: https://twitter.com/tonymeloto
Gawad Kalinga: https://twitter.com/gawadkalingahq
Instagram: http://instagram.com/gawadkalinga
Picture References:
*: http://checkonetwo.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/the-waiting-game.jpg
**: https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/555829_10150847863863054_1732862979_n.jpg?oh=f06b64c67a0ee17b726283f57f360d4d&oe=5475CEED&__gda__=1417255526_9a79e6861f53a52ec8338fce2044b2e6
***: https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10455252_10152758054373054_2615432047280939138_n.jpg
****: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BhSRIrPCUAAd4zJ.jpg:large
*****: https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1535431_10152643797563054_3764753516248284722_n.jpg?oh=04e1567d689a688cc4a6bc963b4e758f&oe=54744408
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