Lingap Pangkabataan, Incorporated initiated an organizational assessment on November 2021 as an important step towards crafting its 2022-2027 Strategic Plan and accompanying institutional plan. It is currently consolidating and finalizing these plans as Lingap embarks on another five-year journey of empowering communities including churches towards a child-focused community development.
Being a part of the organizational assessment, strategic and institutional planning of Lingap Pangkabataan has been an insightful and rewarding experience for me as a staff member. As an organization focused on child-focused community development, it was crucial to include children as active participants in the planning process. Lingap is among the few Philippine NGOs engaging its children partners – not beneficiaries and not mere participants but partners – in all aspects of its life and work.
It was heartwarming to see children eagerly sharing their thoughts, ideas and concerns about their communities, and their vision for a better future during the organizational assessment workshops. The children, during this ongoing 11th National Children’ Congress will also scrutinize the draft strategic and institutional plans in time for its ratification by the 22nd Lingap General Assembly come May 2023. All these amplifies the importance of involving children in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Working alongside the Board members and other stakeholders in the planning process was also an enriching experience. The collaborative effort and collective passion towards the organization’s mission were inspiring. The strategic planning sessions allowed us to assess Lingap’s strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for improvement, and set goals for the organization’s growth and sustainability for 2027 and beyond. It was remarkable to witness the level of commitment and dedication from the stakeholders in ensuring that the organization’s objectives aligned with its core values and principles.
Participating in the organizational assessment, strategic and institutional planning of Lingap Pangkabataan has been and is always a significant and treasured learning experience. It reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration, inclusivity, and active participation in achieving meaningful change. I am proud to be part of an organization that values transparency, accountability, and the voices of the communities and children we serve, and I look forward to contributing to Lingap’s continued success.