Aid 300 Child Typhoon Survivors in Philippines

In Decemember 2017, Typhoon Vinta heavily damaged areas of the Philippines previously destroyed in 2013 by super typhoon Yolanda [Haiyan] in the Cuartero, Paiz area of Visayas region.  In Jolo, Sulu in the southern islands of the Muslim Autonomous Region of the Philippines, heavy rains overpowered extremely inadequate drainage systems to flood crowded schools and market areas in the city's center. Floods, wind damage and mud- and rock-slides displaced nearly 100,000 people, including around 10,000 in Sulu . Acros the country. more than 200 people perished. Many houses and schools were destroyed. During the Christmas - New Year Season, Asia America Initive backed by GlobalGiving donors enabled  local residents to rebuild and reburbish damaged schools before schools reopened in early January.  Observing their parents, many children -- boys and girls - have learned the meaning of courage and determination to never surrender, no matter how difficult the challenges in life. 

"In Jolo, we were shocked and devastated," says Principal Merhama P. at Salih Yusah Elementary School, where close to 900 pupils are educated, close to half are intenal refugees from nearby rural areas torn by communal violence.  "We have no history of rains coming this late in the year.  The storms started late at night and the rapid flooding -- up to one meter high in many classrooms, gave us no time to prepare."

In Cuartero, Capiz, Principal Luz R. recals the shock of waking up after a night of heavy wind and rain to see the entire city under three to five feet of flood water.  In some schools and houses, water was almost up to the ceiling. "We thought we had seen the worst conditions during Typhoon Haiyan," she states.  "After months of repair work, we had recovered from Haiyan and brought our schools back to life.  This surprise storm made us fear that this time we may have a far more difficult time to recover.  Thank God that Asia America Initiative and their donor partners have always been with us, every step of he way.  With limited government funds and resources, private donations from GlobalGiving through AAI have empowered parents and neighbors to work hard and inspire their children to have courage to face the future. " 

No matter the hardship he staff and volunteers of AAI have provided medicine and food to storm survivors, especially in remote villages. "We assist hundreds of families, especially children, in desperate need," says Nurse Faith O. who is AAI's Visayas coordinator.  "We extend a lifeline through partnerships with courageous local volunteers and professionals." 

Although when we started in December, this program intended to serve only 300 school children.  But we have surpassed all expectations and we have distributed medical, hygiene and educational supplies and have fed 1,000 children on a weekly basis.  Damaged school roofs have been fixed rather than collapse and injure numerous children. For  $200 we can repair 1 roof. For $6 to $10 we can buy a new plastic school chair.  And we can feed a child daily lunch and provide clean water for around $5 per week.  

Thanks to GlobalGiving donors we are taking the next step to realizing ourlong term goal of self-sufficiency of storm survivors across the region. Our immediate goal is to assist 30,000 additional disaster victims during 2018. Although this micro-project has already reached its funding target, our long-term plans continue to grow.  We still need your help.

Please consider our special Mother's Day project to help these children to receive a school based meal cooked by their Moms and teachers at 4 rural primary schools in Sulu, Philippines. Mothers will receive new pots and pans to assist school nurses to cook and serve daily healthy lunches. We will also provide garden tools, seeds, and pipes for fresh water for washing and cooking. Hygiene is a top priority at AAI sponsored schools.  Here is the link to the special microproject:

• Help PTA Moms Provide Lunches for 600 Hungry Kids