The Gawad Kalinga Phenomenon

This Jun 12, 2009. There will be a Gawad Kalinga Global summit held at boston. This will be a gathering of forces against the common enemy of global apathy towards the plight of the poor in an oppressive capitalist system.

What is Gawad Kalinga all about?

Gawad Kalinga is a charitable institution dedicated in eradicating homelessness and poverty in general. Originally Gawad Kalinga was founded by Couple’s for Christ, a Philippine Christian community. To date, GK Philippines is one of the most successful charitable organizations, producing real outputs. Thousands of free, clean, safe, homes have already been built for the relocation of the homeless poor that live in unsafe, disease, drugs, and crime infested shanty squatters’ communities.

Now, GK communities can be found all over the world. The organization gets help from big companies and individuals who donate money and time for the creation of these communities.

Gawad Kalinga Criticism

Gawad Kalinga is not without criticism. Many critics say that it is a dole out project which might give a permanent solution to the crisis of homelessness. However, so far, the communities have been self sustaining. There is also education and career training given sporadically to the communities.

Another criticism of GK comes from within. Couples for Christ is a global community that was split apart due to the polemic issues that GK encountered. Tony Meloto, GK’s prominent figurehead accepted solicitations from contraceptive companies and removed the Christian factor in Gawad Kalinga, a factor that was one of the originating seeds of the project.

However, the actions of GK toward political neutrality came as a great boon for its success. Because of its tolerance, it accommodated all religions. Particularly riveting is the cooperation between the Christian and Muslim proponents of GK working together for the greater good.

Gawad Kalinga Global Summit

I urge everyone and anyone who are not apathetic to join in the Gawad Kalinga Global Summit. Let us join hands in the Boston summit to achieve real results in the work towards a better world.