Assessing Community Needs, Resources And Organizing: Basis For Sustainable Community Extension Projects By The College Of Social Sciences, University Of Rizal System Pililla, Rizal

Abstract

This paper discusses the three phases of community extension projects. The initial phase involves

focus groups, transect walks, house-to-house visits, key informant interviews, and needs assessment surveys. During this phase, A Movement in Gender and Development Advocacy (AMIGDA), a recently founded organization, obtains certification. The second phase focuses on collaboration among local government units (LGUs), academic institutions, and religious and professional organizations to achieve the organization’s vision, mission, and goals. Intervention programs implemented in this phase include Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS), lectures on obedience for children, and biblical and sociological parenting sessions. The third phase comprises a lecture forum on recycling and bottle gardening, Bible-based story sessions for children aged 4 to 10, gift-giving, health and wellness seminars for children aged 4 to 12, pineapple marmalade-making workshops for parents aged 24 to 56, and the distribution of hygiene kits to children aged 4 to 11. These activities’ participants have experienced spiritual and mental, emotional, health, social, and economic benefits. Additionally, the sponsors of the gift-giving project, the Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines-Rizal Chapter, have expressed satisfaction derived from the joy of giving. Moreover, the project offers College of Social Sciences students an opportunity to immerse themselves in and contribute to local activities. Overall, the project has achieved partial success, establishing an organization to implement intervention projects and connect with other institutions. Thus, to maintain partnerships with the stakeholders, coordination, flexibility, and adjustment are essential to sustain the implementation of the projects.