Ambassador Noralyn Jubaira Baja (3rd from left) with the students, TASCI members and Embassy personnel
As part of its vigorous cultural diplomacy efforts, the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria, in collaboration with The African Show Coalition Institute (TASCI), organized a briefing on the Philippines for South African high school students on 7 October 2022 at the Embassy premises.
Students from Olievenhoutbosch Secondary School, Seshegong Secondary School, The Glen High School and Amberfield College participated in the briefing. They were accompanied by TASCI officials led by Founder and Executive Director Bathandwa Kwababa.
Students presenting their research on the Philippines
Students presented their research on the Philippines and had an opportunity to interact with Embassy officials led by Ambassador Noralyn Jubaira Baja and First Secretary Maurice Tiempo. To reinforce the students’ outputs, Political Assistant John Matthew Poblete gave a country presentation on the Philippines, during which he highlighted the latter’s commonalities with South Africa such as both peoples are family-oriented and value the importance of fostering harmonious interpersonal relationships.
To complete their full immersion in Philippine culture, the group was served with Filipino dishes of pancit, puto, turon and ensaymada.
The Embassy issued certificates of participation to the students after the event.
Reflecting on the event, Ambassador Baja said, “It is important to the Embassy to engage with the South African youth as such could serve as the catalyst for enhanced friendship and cooperation between our two countries.”
The visit to the Embassy was well received by the students, with one of them commenting that the “Embassy team was really great, humorous and kind. They explained everything clearly and I have better knowledge of the Philippines now.”
TASCI is an independent non-profit organization whose mission is “to build, promote and restore the dignity and reconciliation for the well-being of the people and youth of South Africa.” Its flagship project of visits to diplomatic missions in Pretoria is geared towards the development of the South African youth.
Ambassador Baja engages with the students
Mr. John Matthew Poblete giving a briefing on the Philippines
