The lack of clean water for drinking and hand-washing is a major cause of illness, especially parasitic nutrition disorders for children in tropical areas of the world. It is also a major cause of children to be absent from school and to perform poorly due to fever and poor concentration. The water systems in Capiz area, Visayas, Philippines,were heavily damaged by Typhoon Haiyan. This program improves a public school and community via public health and education needed for economic development.
The Visayas region, Philippines was heavily damaged by Typhoon Haiyan, especially clean water systems, on a par with the poorest African countries. In many communities children miss school or perform poorly because of illness from unclean water or no water for hygiene. Catig-Lacadon Elementary has 175 pupils and no wells or water tanks on the hilltop campus. We will purchase 500 gallon plastic water tanks and rubber pails and basins. Community volunteers will do construction at the school.
Water tanks that catch and store clean rain water, rubber tubes and water purification tools will enhance the learning abilities by providing potable water for hand washing and drinking. Also irrigation for vegetable gardens to enhance daily school lunches of nutritious school-cooked meals, often chicken and vegetable soup and boiled rice, by mothers of students who volunteer. During the current school year, student performance and health has improved in schools through this holistic program.
The long-term positive impact of this program empowers Christian and Muslim communities to learn from each other through their respective best practices. Asia America Initiative 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 various cultural groups by AAI facilitates mutual respect and inspiration.
