Education for 40 displaced indigenous Filipinos

Linda is a widow with nine children. As among the indigenous Bajau who regard the sea as their central life source, she has been sustaining her family by diving for sea grapes every morning.

When the Adult Capability Building Program (ACAP) began in Masepla Transitory Site in Zamboanga, Philippines, she approached the teacher with eager willingness to be counted in as among the first learners. With no opportunity and resources for education from before, Linda now beams with pride in her own growth through the program facilitated by fellow Bajau. Her teacher says she has learned to write in capital letters (as her eyesight has slowly deteriorated with age) and finds how she may directly apply this skill in availing of government services to benefit herself and her family.

She is among the many mothers who have expressed much appreciation for all that they have been taking in through ACAP. It has been a joyful learning journey for them so far, as they recognize how pursuing education has not just enabled them to develop their knowledge, but to strengthen their interpersonal skills as well. Many have indeed attested to growing in confidence and overcoming shame. They now more freely and courageously express themselves; they are finding their own voice especially in interacting with others who are not of their tribe.

Linda still sees to it that she is able to provide her family's needs through diving for sea grapes every morning. Your generous support has enabled her to continue learning, growing in skill and confidence, keeping on with much joy.  

Nene was among the first enrollees of the Adult Capability Building Program for displaced indigenous Bajau of Masepla Transitory Site, Mampang, Zamboanga, Philippines. She introduced herself as a mother of three who knew little of the skills in reading and writing. Whenever asked to practice writing her name, the letters would come out crooked with her trembling hands. 

Ten months into the program, she has shown improved confidence in her functional literacy skills! She can now write and read without fear, even voicing out her own opinions whenever there are discussions in class. On election day in May 2016, Nene proudly went to the precinct to vote all on her own, without needing extra assistance. She has also become one of the most reliable parent-leaders of Angiskul ma Banca ("Classes in Bancas") Early Childhood Education Program for the Bajau young learners of their community. 

Nene is one of the Bajau adults who continue to grow in knowledge, skill, and even confidence as they seek to pursue lifelong learning for their children and themselves. 

The Cartwheel Programs Team will go on community visits on the third week of August 2016 to help prepare the community as they transition into their permanent homes, after being displaced by political conflict in their area some three years ago. Being among the last seafaring people in the world, the Bajau are very much excited to move back nearer to the coast where there is easier access to the sea, around which their life revolves. Even as they change addresses, they have expressed desire to continue their education—this is what Cartwheel Foundation, Inc. seeks to sustain in partnership with the community members themselves.

We are most grateful to donors and supporters who have generously helped in making partnership with the Bajau bear fruits of peace and hope through education.

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To find out more about the floating classroom Bajau parents like Nene have helped build, click here.