Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Spotlight Series: Katja Göpfert

 




Name:

Katja Isabel Göpfert

Age:

20 years old

Nationality:

German

3 Words to describe yourself:

Helpful - Positive - Happy


Tell us about your career so far. What did you do before you came to volunteer in Tapulanga?

"Before I came to the Philippines, I finished my Senior High School in Germany."

 

Why did you choose Tapulanga?

"I chose Tapulanga Foundation because I love to work with children and the mission of the Foundation appealed to me. I was very impressed by how small the Tapulanga Foundation started and how big it has become in the meantime. If you want to change or improve something it usually starts small."


 Tell us about a typical day at work.

"There is a morning and afternoon class. Every lesson begins with singing and dancing. The children learn the alphabet, writing, shapes, colours and much more. They work on worksheets and from time to time they make something creative what fits to the topic."


What do you find to be most challenging about your work? How do you deal with it?

"The most challenging thing about working here is the language. It's a sad that I don't understand what the children are trying to tell me and that I can't explain everything to them so well because I don't speak the language. That's why I'm trying to learn more and more words so that I can communicate with them better "





Who inspires you?

"My inspiration is my grandad, who always gave me a lot of advices and tips, such as that I should definitely travel like him to get to know countries, people and cultures. So I can combine the joy of being socially active, like my parents, with travelling. 




 Tell us more about yourself!


What are you passionate about outside of work?

     "Outside of work, I like meeting people, traveling, cooking, photography, sewing and do handicrafts."


     What one  Tagalog or Ilonggo word/phrase you like to use? 

     "Salamat Gid" is my favorite phrase and the one I use the most because the people here are all so helpful and kind.




    

     Bonus Questions!


     What’s one place you visited that you love the most and why? 

     "The Philippines has many beautiful places, but so far I've enjoyed Apo Island the most because it has a wonderful underwater world with turtles, corals and different fishes that you can't find in Germany.

        

     For you, what does a "perfect day" look like? 

     "My perfect day doesn't involve any specific activity. It needs people who are happy and content to have a good time together."


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