Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan (KSK): a sustainable community livelihood project of the University of the East (UE)

Abstract

Responding to the University of the East's core principles towards the advancement of social responsibility through highly visible extension and community outreach programs, the Office of Extension and Community Outreach (OECO) in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment - National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR) launched the "Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan: A Sustainable Community Livelihood Project of the University of the East". Its main objectives centered on empowerment, self-reliance, social equity and stability. Twenty-two indigenous residents from UE's two adopted communities were awarded with seed money to help them start up their own small businesses since their chance of employment is very slim. In order to enhance their skills in handling business and finances, UE community worker-volunteers spearheaded a series of intensive seminars, trainings and workshops. Challenges that we have faced while establishing partnership with stakeholders happened on the first phase during introduction of the program and screening of eligible beneficiaries. Most of the community members were hesitant to cooperate, thinking that this program is another exploitative community activities. The beneficiaries' respective small-scale businesses become their primary source of income to sustain their daily living. Through a series of livelihood trainings spearheaded by UE, additional skills were acquired that strengthened and empowered them. And because of this sustainable community outreach project, they already have their respective savings maintained through a joint bank account. At the end of the program, the beneficiaries become more empowered individuals who have a positive outlook in life. The beneficiaries' monthly family income were relatively higher hence, they can now send their children to formal school and have met their basic family physiological needs. In general, qualities of lives were improved resulting to minimal conflicts among community members according to the record of community leaders. Today, their respective small businesses are continuously operating and served as their main source of daily living. The success of KSK will be replicated to other indigent communities in hope to further expand our services to the marginalized sectors of the society.