The University of St. La Salle (USLS) hosted a Service Learning and Cultural Immersion Program for Oakhill College of Sydney, Australia, which included an engagement with the Indigenous Ata community of Brgy. Bagong Silang, Don Salvador Benedicto, on September 29. The activity formed part of a week-long immersion program facilitated by USLS from September 28 to October 5.
Through the coordination of Balayan – Social Development Center (SDC) and the Center for Linkages and International Affairs (CLIA), USLS brought together around 80 Ata women and children with 26 students and four teachers from Oakhill College. The Ata are one of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Negros Island, recognized for their unique cultural identity and traditions.
The cultural exchange included storytelling sessions, traditional chants and dances, songs, and friendly sports activities.
USLS has maintained a long-standing partnership with the Ata community of Bagong Silang for more than five years, supporting capacity-building initiatives and community engagement programs. Oakhill College has also been a Lasallian partner through De La Salle Philippines for over six years, with immersion activities forming part of their international service learning efforts.
The week-long program additionally involved interaction with USLS student leaders, volunteers from the Vice Chancellor for Mission and Development Unit, and a visit to Bahay Pag-asa, the University-run youth care and rehabilitation center that provides restorative programs for children in conflict with the law and at-risk youth.
Source: USLS
