Asia and the Pacific: The Philippines
Tearing down barriers
"Before we began the work project, we were Korean, Japanese and Filipino. By the end of the work project, we were one big family." Professor Akiie Ninomaya of Kwansei Gakuin Christian University, Japan
"At first I thought it would be hard to work with the Koreans, especially since I didn't know the language, but now they are like my brothers and sisters. It's great to work together and share cultures." Mariko Asano, a student at Kyoto Gadai University, Japan.
… And that's exactly what these two work projects were all about – breaking down barriers between people whose countries had a history of conflict; bringing Korean professionals and Japanese students together to build simple, decent houses with people in need.
"When we met the Koreans at the airport in Manila, I was surprised because they were all professionals. I worried about these two groups working together – they seemed so different. But from the beginning, we had good communication." The Rev. Funomoto, chaplain of Kwansei Gakuin University.
"It was a great experience to work with the Japanese, especially since our countries have had conflict historically. During our stay here, we were able to have fellowship and be one through working together." Young-Ho Im, from Habitat for Humanity Korea.
For some of the 27 Japanese students, this was their first Habitat for Humanity experience. But others were so excited after their first building experience with Habitat for Humanity in 1999 in General Santos, the Philippines, that they came back as leaders of the groups to Bacalod and Tarlac. One enthused, "Habitat for Humanity is unbelievable, it has changed my life; it has taught me to have the right goals in life by encouraging me to work together with different kinds of people."
During the projects, the Japanese and Korean groups discovered that each had come with apprehensions about working together. Craig Smith, professor of English at Kyoto University and a member of the team to Bacalod explained "Both the Koreans and Japanese were afraid it wouldn't work. Even the Filipinos in the surrounding village were a bit apprehensive about the work project." Tears in his eyes, he continued, "but every day here has been beautiful. This has been a success with the Japanese, Koreans and Filipinos. Love and concern abounded. We have been fortunate to meet such wonderful people. "
Adapted from an article by Anita Mellott of Habitat for Humanity International
Find out more about Habitat for Humanity's work in The Philippines
Read about the houses we build in Asia and the Pacific
