Sulu, Philippines is in the heart of the world's largest Muslim population. Named by the UN as one of the most impoverished regions, which had led to 50 years of communal violence. Through AAI programs, it has become a model for peace. Muslim and Christian children and youth, especially girls, are making encouraging social and economic progress through equal education, access to clean water and school-based nutrition. Enhanced liveilhood skills are shared with their families and neighbors.
Sulu, Philippines is rated on a par with the poorest African regions by the United Nations. Children, especially girls, miss school because of waterborne parasites and poor hygiene conditions. We will purchase cost effective 500 gallon plastic water tanks, rubber pipes, toilets and washbasins; community volunteers will construct the water supply systems at a livelihood-focused college/high school where students and teachers lacks basic hygiene. and fish hatchery tanks are in need of water.
In the midst of large Muslim communities, the 300 students at MSU Laboratory High School and 150 additional students at the MSU Fisheries College - many are girls - serve as ambassadors for social and economic progress We will ship 2,000 new text books, purchase new school supplies, and construct rain-water catchment tanks for personal hygiene and sanitation. Fresh water will also help to expand the number of fish hatcheries and build aquaponic gardens for additional fresh food supplies.
The long-term positive impact of this program empowers Christian and Muslim communities to learn from each other through their respective best practices. AAI serves as a communication bridge. Our social media networks facilitate transparent communication and dispel fear and myths that alienate communities who feel alone and abandoned. Starting in schools, positive interaction and equal treatment of boys and girls and various cultural groups by AAI facilitates mutual respect and inspiration
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
