SPARK Philippines and Araneta Foundation in partnership with Erasmus Mundus Association Philippines (EMA Philippines) sponsored a forum on scholarship and opportunities for Filipinos at De La Salle University last October 25.

Attended by almost 100 people, SPARK understands the need for opportunities and scholarships to be available and accessible to more people. It continues to seek partnership where sustainable development including human development is emphasized especially among women and girls. SPARK vows to champion in empowering women and youth through advocacy, livelihood and training progammes, and activities that benefit the targeted communities.

SPARK’s Executive Director Jenny Lind Elmaco-Cardenas, who is also a recipient of Europe’s most prestigious scholarship programme, Erasmus Mundus, discussed the contribution of Filipino scholars in Europe, citing experiences from her studies and work. She also mentioned why it was also good for scholars to come back, lead an organization or company, and give back to the community.

Participants also listened to another speaker, Dr. Genevieve David who took European Master of Public Health, and, like SPARK’s Jen Elmaco, came back to practice and share the wealth of knowledge she acquired during her studies in Europe.

Young Erasmus Mundus alumni were also present to encourage participants to be bold in their application and to be audacious in seeking new opportunities.

The participants were very pleased with the forum and wished that SPARK could sponsor another similar event in their own universities and communities because even if many opportunities were available out there, Filipinos did not know they exist nor did they know how to access them.

Given the digital age of information and social media, SPARK wants to bridge the gap especially in far flung communities where people have no access to internet or television. There are undiscovered minds that are waiting to be found. If knowledge is power, SPARK definitely dreams of every community in the country to light up.