In the Philippines, armed conflict, Covid19, and natural disasters in 2021 have caused suffering for many children and their families. Daily nutrition is often lacking in one of the poorest areas in the world. Lack of access to clean water for drinking and hand-washing is a major cause of illness. The UN rates our Sulu Province, near the bottom of the global Human Development Index. Our community-based programs provide relief to Muslim and Christian families in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
In many communities, children miss school or perform poorly because of illness from unclean water or no water for hygiene. Poor school performance entraps communities in endless cycles of poverty. AAI's intercultural programs create "Peace Zones" through community-based Child-Friendly Schools. To sustain progress and avoid the "charity trap," parents and local officials match AAI funding in equal partnership for health and progress.
To provide a hygienic environment for children and prevent disease, AAI sponsors facilities providing water tanks, pipes, and other water purification tools for handwashing and drinking. AAI also sponsors vegetable gardens and additional food relief that enhance daily lunches of nutritious school-cooked meals (often chicken and vegetable soup and boiled rice) made by volunteer mothers of the students. Student performance and health have improved in schools through this holistic program.
The long-term positive impact of this program empowers impoverished communities to improve education via public health and livelihood skills. Parents and teachers teach skills such as gardening and carpentry to children. Our social media networks facilitate transparent communication and inspire communities who feel alone and abandoned. Starting in schools, positive interaction and equal treatment of various cultural groups by AAI facilitates mutual respect and peaceful cooperation.
