YEP-GO 2025: Hello Mandaue! Republic Polytechnic Is on the Line!

Kumusta, Mandaue! 

We are a team of 34 students from Republic Polytechnic’s Service-Learning Club who had the incredible opportunity to be part of Youth Expedition Project Goes Online (YEP-GO) 2025, in collaboration with World Vision Singapore and Philippines. Though we may be miles apart, our hearts and screens connected us with a wonderful community in Mandaue City, Philippines, and what a journey it was!

Beyond Borders, Across Screens

Over seven weekly Zoom sessions from January to March 2025, we worked hand-in-hand (virtually) with the ALS learners from Mandaue. Our goal? To equip and empower them through sessions focused on life skills, communication, and career readiness.

At first, we weren’t sure how everything would go. Would the tech work? Would it feel awkward? Would we be able to connect? But those worries faded fast. It didn’t take long before the Zoom calls felt less like “sessions” and more like catching up with friends. Each week, we logged in excited to see familiar faces, ready to learn, share, and grow together.

A Virtual Classroom Full of Energy and Growth

We didn’t want our sessions to feel like just another online class. So we filled them with fun, laughter, and hands-on activities that kept everyone engaged. Our icebreakers were always a hit, especially “This or That?” and “Guess Who?”. We laughed over shared experiences, surprising facts, and the occasional awkward silence when no one had “ever” done something!

One of our favourite parts was introducing tools like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. For some, it was their first time using these apps, and yet, within minutes, they were formatting text, creating slides, and even sharing their screens to show us what they’d made. One student added graphics and transitions to her resume presentation and honestly, it was better than some of ours! We explored self-awareness and career development, where students did their SMART Goals Sheet and shared qualities needed for different jobs. We discussed different careers and shared adjectives they felt best described the qualities needed for those roles--  words like “hardworking,” “creative,” and “patient” came up often.

Towards the end of the programme, we moved into mock interviews. At first, some were shy, but slowly, they opened up. We walked them through answering confidently, and maintaining eye contact. Watching their confidence grow each week was so fulfilling. There were moments where we caught ourselves nodding proudly like as they nailed their responses.

Reflections That Will Stay With Us

What really stuck with us was how open and eager the Mandaue learners were. Even with language barriers and occasional tech hiccups (and yes, the classic “Your mic is off!”), they always gave their best. They greeted us cheerfully each session, asked questions, and stayed engaged even after a long day.

One memory that truly stood out for me was after our final session. Roxanne, one of the learners, stayed back on the call to say thank you and gave a heartfelt speech in English. She expressed how grateful she was for our guidance, encouragement, and patience, and shared how much she appreciated the effort we put into every session. Hearing her speak so confidently, knowing how far she had come, was incredibly touching and a moment I’ll never forget. We also grew alongside them. Behind the scenes, we had our own struggles, too. There were last-minute hiccups, tech fails, and moments of “uh-oh, Plan B?” But we had each other. We covered for one another, cheered each other on, and laughed off the chaos. It made us stronger and brought us closer as a team.

Until Next Time, Mandaue!

YEP-GO 2025 was more than just a service-learning project. It was a shared experience full of growth, laughter, and connection. We’re incredibly grateful to World Vision Singapore, World Vision Philippines, our RP volunteers, and the amazing Mandaue learners for welcoming us with such open hearts. Saying goodbye was tough, but we left with so many memories and so much gratitude.

Maraming salamat, Mandaue. ’Til next time.