Education for 40 displaced indigenous Filipinos

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.