|
 ICSI’s desire to reach out to the poorest of
the poor gave birth to its Popular Education program. The program banks
on the conviction that the poor need to be given a voice in society. The
tool to do this is popular education, which initiates a dialogue among the
poor in order to elicit their experiences and problems. By giving value
to what they have to say, the poor, in the process, are being empowered.
The more fortunate in society, on the other hand, will be made aware of
their plight, and hopefully, become more understanding.
ICSI’s Popular Education program, thus, gives the poor an arena where
they can share their opinions and perceptions, fears and frustrations,
anguish and joy. But more than hearing what they
have to say, the program encourages them to seek solutions to their
problems. The program is in place in three pilot areas: Payatas and
Barangay Commonwealth in Quezon City and Kasiglahan Village I in
Rodriguez, Rizal.
 In the future, the program will explore the possibility of a radio
program, a video documentary and a regular column in a tabloid. All
three media are aimed at giving voice to the poor and urging
concerned government agencies, local government units and barangays to
act on their needs. |
