Gender Equality Philippines Project #26790

Clean Water, WASH & Nutrition for 500 Muslim Girls

by Asia America Initiative

Summary

Poverty, hunger, rampant waterborne diseases, and limited public health plague the Philippines. Sulu Province remains near the bottom of the UN's worldwide Human Development Index. A school-aged population of some 350,000 children -- more than half are girls -- suffer from hunger. Worldwide, female students are most affected in similar schools. In 2022-23, we will assist 500 girls and their schools by creating clean water systems, and improving hygiene and daily nutrition.

$35,000
total goal

$14,120
remaining

87
donors

2
monthly donors

2
fundraisers

6
years

Challenge

Poverty, hunger, communal violence, and limited public health plague Muslim Mindanao, Philippines. A school-aged population of some 350,000 children is mostly impoverished and suffering from hunger. Female students are often the most affected. We will assist three schools with a total of 500 girls. Our focus is to build clean water systems, WASH facilities, and to promote adequate nutrition. All are essential for improved health and education.

Solution

By building clean water systems, WASH facilities, and by providing soaps, toothpaste, and other hygiene products - girls' health can improve. Girls will attend more days in school and classroom performance will be enhanced. We encourage the expansion of school-based gardens that provide fresh food for school lunches - cooked by volunteer mothers and grandmothers. With improved water delivery at each school and access to school lunches, girls can experience improved overall well-being.

Long-Term Impact

The long-term impact of this program is to improve health and school conditions. With an emphasis on daughters and granddaughters, our non-biased programs build peace by encouraging Christian and Muslim neighbors to respect and help each other. AAI serves as a mediator and social healer. Our inter-faith activities dispel fear and biases that can alienate communities who feel alone and abandoned. Positive interaction and equal treatment of all girls encourage mutual respect and friendship.