Provide Education for 100 Students in Philippines

A commencement or graduation ceremony is much anticipated in educational institutions everywhere. At the end of every school year, graduating students, whether they are  grade school kids or young adults in college, walk solemnly towards the stage elegantly dressed in the required regalia -- in this case a white formal dress for women and the native barong tagalog for men with the traditional "sablay" or sash exclusively  hand woven for Foundation University graduating students.  The sash is embroidered with the traditional "baybayin" dialect that means air, water, fire and earth which embraces the tradition of it being a symbolic reminder of a student's academic experience at the same time recognizing the university's strong advocacy for environment protection.

This year's commencement was very solemn as the graduates including most of the university scholars are those who endured the rigors, trials and challenges of online schooling  during the three year declaration of a COVID pandemic.  Inspite and despite, they have managed and is now facing the beginning of life as they each will venture into the real world, armed and equipped with what has sustained them through their academic journey.  It is a very significant achievement not only for the graduates but to their parents as well.

Different cultures across the globe have organized marching bands that are already considered mainstays during community events.  Normally, marching bands are formed by government agencies, the military and mostly by academic institutions.  Dumaguete City where Foundation University is located has been dubbed as the "City of Parades" and the university has since created its own marching band since the inception of the institution.  The university marching band is named "Abuhuni Marching Band",  abu meaning ash which is color gray and the university color and huni which means music in the dialect.

The Abuhuni Marching Band is composed of student scholars who are financially challenged but wish to continue their academic endeavors.These student scholars share their talent and skills in the field of music and dance upon invitation to participate in various prestigious community events and in all university events.

Joining a marching band has its benefits both to each student scholar and the university as well:  

a)  it develops the student leadership and discipline.  They learn to communicate and offer positive feedback and learn to manage conflict and solve problems within their organization.  

b)  it promotes good health during band practice and actual events.  Their bodies are exercised while their muscles are developed while carrying the intstruments that they play during marching.

c)  it is an outlet to showcase their talent and skills with confidence and pride which can hone them in their future endeavors.

d)  it gives the student scholars, who are constrained financially, an opportunity to travel and experience different places and events when they are invited to play in events outside the city since the expense of invitationals are normally shouldered by the inviting party.

e) it teaches the student scholars to be responsible adults being able to manage time (e.g. dressing up, warming up, loading instruments, the performance itself and even when to eat)

f)  it teaches respect at the same time learn to appreciate their leaders.

g)  it develops relationships when they work hard for a common purpose and create long-term friendships.

While the marching band promotes inclusive participation that could include a showcase of talents in other performace areas,  GlobalGiving has been an important avenue where our scholars get to finish  their education and follow their dreams.