BarkadahaNZ was formed out of the desire to give our kids the opportunity to learn what it is to be Filipino as they assimilate in a different environment and culture.
As they say, "Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan, di makakarating sa paroroonan." He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his destination)
The group's goals are:
- To provide opportunities for Filipino families, especially their kids, to learn and preserve their Filipino cultural values and practices
- To provide opportunities for Filipino familes, especially their kids, to engage in various social activities that will enhance their confidence in themselves and help facilitate their adjustment to life in New Zealand.
Leadership
The group is organized in such a way that there is direct participation among group members. The leadership structure that the group has adopted ensures that the kids are involved and are therefore paired up with adults in leading the different committees.
Nick Ballesteros and Corazon Gawe will serve as facilitators/coordinators for the group.
The core group composed of adult and child leaders of each committee identified are for:
- Sports and Outdoor Recreation
- Arts and Crafts
- Music and Dance
- Literacy and Numeracy
There is a Finance Officer to manage the group's finances, as well as a person assigned to document the various activities and projects.
