LITERACY : The Way to Happier Lives
By Grace “Gae” Apale
The Rotary Clubs of Muntinlupa City Center recently forged an alliance with the Muntinlupa Development Foundation to become partners in a Mission to Empower Communities.
To highlight the celebration of Philippine Rotary Week, the Service Partners assembled 70 acknowledged leaders of 17 big community associations of informal settlers all over Muntinlupa City for a workshop training on accounting literacy. They represented the 13,000 families who needed assistance to improve their present condition.
As a backgrounder – MDF shows the way for the homeless to become legitimate lot and house owners at very affordable monthly amortizations. Livelihood training and financing are extended. But to avail of the services, they have to become organized community associations with elected officers to represent the intended beneficiaries. Trouble started creeping in when ILLITERACY reared its ugly head. For example, monies collected for membership dues, monthly amortizations of loans, payments for purchase of goods, services and rentals coming from the Rotary Clubs’ donation of water pumps, livelihood assets, etc., over a period of time, could not be accounted for.
This lack of transparency in financial transactions gave rise to conflicts, misunderstandings, and gossips that deteriorated communication lines and damaged inter personal relationships. Being mostly unschooled to function as presidents, treasurers, accountants and bookkeepers, these officers become helpless.
Faced with this reality, RC Muntinlupa City Center went into action with its half-day accounting literacy seminar. Dubbed as “Pangalagaan ang Biyaya” the project became an afternoon of caring and sharing by educating the community leaders in Simplified Accounting and Auditing Systems with Club Treasurer Alice Torres as the resource speaker.
It was Vocational Service in action! Club President Gae lectured on authority and accountability while Community Service Director Ida Perez ensured that the participants got acquainted with each other and worked on their group exercises. PE Andrew Frondozo explained the Club’s commitment of continuity of this literacy effort by promising that periodic monitoring and free consultations will be provided by RCMCC members.
These learnings are important tools which the individuals can also use in charting the progress of their own “ little businesses “. With certainty, Right Motivation + Knowledge + Learning Application will contribute immensely in building positive lives and promoting peace in communities.
Truly, ROTARY SHARES !
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