Staff Spotlight: Ate Shari
In celebration of our 19th anniversary, we are highlighting our beloved staff, Ate Shari. Learn about Ate Shari’s love and dedication to our Galing Bata youth and families for the past 15 years, and now as our Program Coordinator!
Ate Shari (siya/she)
Program Coordinator
ate.shari@galingbata.org
How long have you been part of FEC GB?
I've been a part of FEC Galing Bata for 15 years now. I started as a volunteer, then I got hired as K-1 Program Leader until I became the Program Coordinator.
Paano kayo nagsimula sa FEC GB / how did you start?
I was introduced to FEC Galing Bata Program by Ate Lou. She encouraged me to volunteer and get to know the program. I met with Kuya Glen, the Site Coordinator then, who introduced me to Tita Tina, the Program Director then.
Tita Tina and I shared the same educational philosophy as we both studied Family Life and Child Development at UP Diliman. I came to volunteer one day and because of how welcoming everyone in the program was, I kept coming back.
What is one memorable experience you have at FEC Galing Bata?
I have so many memorable experiences in Galing Bata. I love spending time with our students and our families. I really enjoy our summer programs, field trips, Fun Friday Carnivals, Ate Shari’s Sari Store and our events like Tahanan, family literacy workshops, holiday parties, etc. I also look forward to participating in community events with our staff, students and families like Parol Festival (plus winning!), Pasko sa SoMa, Barrio Fiesta, Pistahan, etc.
How has being part of FEC GB touched your life? Who and why do you do this work for?
I found my second home and my second family in Galing Bata. It's a major part of my life as I will not be the "Ate Shari" that I am today if not for the lessons and values that I learned in Galing Bata. Being with such supportive and dedicated staff for the past 15 years also helped a lot with my growth as a person, educator, youth development worker and a community worker.
I do this work for the students, the families and our community. It is my hope that I'm making a positive impact on them through my work in Galing Bata. I love seeing our students grow up and graduate/pursue their dreams, knowing that Galing Bata contributed to their growth as well.
What is one wish you have for FEC GB Program?
My wish for Galing Bata is for our program to be sustainable and to grow to its fullest potential. :)