Swiss leaders hold training for Chiro counterparts

MANILA, June 3, 2011?The Chiro leaders from Luzon had a trainers’ training with their Swiss counterparts in Silang, Cavite last May 19-22 in preparation for the 60th anniversary of Chiro Philippines in 2012

Chiro will celebrate its 60 years of existence in the country next year by holding a national camp in Baguio City from April 28 to May 1. The nationwide gathering is themed “Chiri Hoho Rocksaroonie”, based on the story of Chiri Hoho Rocksaroonie, a sad clown who is looking for happiness.

Pascal Vonlanthen and Erich Schwyter, leaders from Jungwacht and Blauring (JuBla) in Switzerland taught Chiro leaders from Northern and Southern Luzon about risk management, public relations, and group leadership. The 24 participants are all members of the organizing committee for the national camp. Some 300- 400 youth and kids are expected to attend the camp where participants will “choose their own adventure.”

Transfer of ideas

According to Badette Felix, National President of Chiro, JuBla is known for “organizing big events and camps in Switzerland” and that Chiro has benefited greatly from the knowledge and ideas they have shared. Concretely, these new technologies and strategies will be used in planning for the national camp.

The training also had its light moments when cultural presentations were made, specifically by Resurrection parish of Tanza and Our Lady of the Candelaria parish, Silang, which both presented Filipiniana dances. The participants also had a fun videoke night with the two Swiss nationals.

JuBla – Chiro partnership

More JuBla leaders from Switzerland will be visiting the country on July 8 for a three-week immersion. They will be visiting Infanta, Quezon; Muñoz, Quezon; and Cebu City.

Chiro and JuBla partnership started in 2006. Every two years, starting in 2006, Chiro Philippines has been sending leaders to Switzerland for partnership visits where they get to attend camps and learn more about organizing in groups first-hand. JuBla, on the other hand, sent delegates to visit the Philippines in 2007, 2009 and this year, 2011. (Jandel Posion)