I have realized Cagliari is to a large extent more beautiful this second week that I am around. I went to all districts, one of the castles, a lot of the historic and grand churches, saw interesting archeological finds and museums, visited numerous parks, dined at the varied restaurants, had espresso and cappuccino in quaint coffee shops, had beer in pubs, and familiarized myself with the flow of the city and its unique feature. The weather once acclimatized makes one appreciate the cool breeze and the radiant sun. I like to walk along the small pathways and value the huge pedestrian lanes where crossing is very safe and convenient. People do respect the pedestrian so much like their loved ones. I also admire the people being able to drive their cars in the small pathways around the center of the districts.
My second week is met with several meetings with the TDM 2000 International team and the stakeholders surrounding the city for current and incoming projects of the organization to benefit the younger community. The impact of these activities are not seen overnight but it gives a long-term or sustainable ‘end product’ to the innovative minds of the younger generation. It provides options where one can choose the most suitable and efficient actions for him or her to become a successful individual where he or she in the long run is able to give back to the community.
I had a chance to meet an inspiring radio program manager whose persistent actions led to a change (for the better) in the country’s policy on the said media entity. I have met and worked with a youth worker who is the president of the union of student organizations in the city and the opportunities provided are jobs, international exchange program (like mine), and link to other organizations. I have met and shook hands with the city mayor before a scheduled meeting with one of the sports coordinator of the city for an upcoming activity; sports are one of the best ways to deal with the younger generation with their energy being at its peak. I have this chance to get to know my colleague from Indonesia, whose work-four of them, is one amazing persona and speaks more than 3 languages . On top of all of these, I got to learn about the effort and the enormous accomplishments of the people I worked with previously in the capacity building (trainings) in Boracay and have met more of them now as they are in the TDM 2000 International.
One of the organizations’ leaders stands tall with the vision and mission to make that important change in her community and the world around it about youth empowerment and keeping abreast with the policy makers. One formidable person, whose drive to work for the better in this fast changing world is never faltered. One lively person, whose zest and canny attitude with youth work can be embodied by the young followers. One mighty as a rock, is an unlikely worker who can deliver and send messages across all ages. One that smiles a lot, gives working beyond borders an ideal meaning of unity and harmony. One that speaks firmly, whose no nonsense towards work is best explained with the network gained by and around the organization. One whose ‘working with the young people will not make you old persona’ just works perfectly. Every day of the week and along the way, I have met these and other persons working with the TDM 2000 and TDM 2000 International whose skills and attitude is most needed in every country, not only for the younger people to be productive but to have the productive attitude of these young people sustainable.
“Buongiorno, mi chiamo Marlo Schoenenberger. Sono trentenne, io vengo dalle Filipine in particolare da Boracay”
These should be my first Italian sentence, wish me luck.
Marlo Schoenenberger , Boracay Island, Philippines