Interview with the most experienced PDO within the EAO region, Ms. Leah Samson

By Our Own Correspondent

Cebu, the Philippines, 28 April 2018 -- One among the few participants of all three PDO world seminars (2005-2011-2018) is the Executive Director of FIS (Cebu based) Planning and Development office, Ms. Leah Samson, PhD.

Can you compare the experience of the three World seminar-workshop on the PDO?

In Nairobi participated only few of us from the 2011 Hyderabad conference, even fewer of the 2005 Rome conference. And it made me realize that I'm growing roots in my work... :)

The specific fruits of 2018 PDO Narobi Conference?

First of all it has a PDO Handbook (Guidelines) as point of reference for all PDOs. Of course, still with many comments from some participants.

This year there is a clarity on the PDO not as an NGO or a socio-civic group but an office at the Provincial and Council under the Provincial Economer.

There is an emphasis now on a knowledge-based, evidence-based planning and evaluation.

The DBN (Don Bosco Network) as driver of capacity development of the PDOs e.g. DBN platform, VIS' project for Africa and Emergency response mechanism

Mentalization on the need to nurture lay mission partners human resources

How was the EAO participation in the Nairobi 2018 PDO seminar?

There was a good participation from EAO in the plenary interaction and working groups. Day 2, FIS was one of the PDO panelists to talk about PDO capacity development from the perspective of the PDO. Day 3, FIS gave input based on its experience on the place of the PDO in the province: what should be taking into account in developing an efficient OPP (Overall Provincial Plan) and how the PDO work at each level of the provincial structure. Ineed the FIS was acknowledged by Bro. Jean Paul Muller as contributor to the PDO Manual.

What do you bring back home from Nairobi?

There is still the need for many Provinces (and Provincials) to have a planning mentality. Yes, very, very important is to develop the research capabilities of the PDOs so suggestions to the Provincial and Council are evidence-based Crucial is to have capable lay people in the PDO to provide continuity and safeguard the planning mentality given the ever changing assignments of Salesians. High hopes to develop the PDOs at regional level e.g. EAO (may this be realized soon).

How was your Nairobi - Kenya - African experience?

We met very warm people. There was a nice weather at this time. We participated in very vibrant Eucharistic celebrations in Don Bosco Utume (Formation House of theology) and more so at the Don Bosco Boys Centre!

NB: The PDO in Cebu (FIS province) has the longest history in the EAO region and became a point of reference for all other similar experiences in our region, like FIN, ITM, MYM, VIE and AUL, as well for the Delegations of Cambodia and Mongolia. Thanks for the sharing!

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