Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water

People in much of the under-developed world, such as the Philippines, are unable to afford medical care, adsequae hygiene and nutrition, as well as a steady supply of clean water.for life-threatening diseases.  Asia America Initiative serves children across the 7000 islands of the archipelago with the most available source of clean rainwater during the half-year-long dry season.  That is 50 gallon hard plastic drums of rinwater that are attached to school rooftops or raised cement platforms. . Severe poverty and malnutrition afflict more than 60% of the population. In addition, boiled soups and vegetable dishes are difficult to create in food-poor impoverished communities.  AAI has partnered with dozens of schools, in Christian and Muslim communities to build peace by having mothers cook together in support of their children, who all eat together.  This could not be done without the rain water catchmen ttanks . 

Our partner schools show how their ngenuity creates the right places for the tanks to serve the most children while making best use and less waste of waer.  Principal Melda of Mukammali Elementary School says, "AAI has motivated us and showed us the way by providing the large catchemnt tanks and the materials to build cement and wooden platforms to werve as wash basin for the childen of all ages."  This also enables us with a limited budget to purchase more books and educational materials to provide hope for the future. This is especially important for young children who need care and guidance. Our health and hygiene programs, conducted on school grounds, build a joyful attitude to embrace life and enhance a healing process.after years of civil war.

Like most AAI programs. this inititive is an international model of donor kindness and corporate social responsibility. By surviving and experiencing hope, the multi-ethnic children inspire their neighbors who live in large ghetto communities. For children living in dire poverty, the influence of  poor health and violent crime remains a constant reality. This holistic program can empower entire communities to build peace together and have hope.  We encourage the idea that " Every life matters" and it is possible to succeed against all odds.

Links:

• website, Asia America Initiative

Dear Friends,

In the impoverished island provinces of the Philippines, Asia America Initiative (AAI) supports lunch programs and school gardens as part of our "One School -- One Family" health and nutrition program for malnourished children.

“The importance of a school lunch and clean water in a student's life cannot be understated," says Dr. Yolanda [Ph.D. in Education and the wife of a medical surgeon], who grew up in the southern Philippines.

For example, the southern island of Sulu has suffered a half-century of armed conflict and a spate of natural disasters, including volcanoes, typhoons, floods, and severe food shortages. It is a serious challenge to thread the needle between poor governance, political rivalries, and the scarcity of essential goods. School system funding is insufficient. Most students drop out before the end of Middle School. In areas of high poverty, student attendance can take second place over helping to support the family or taking care of younger siblings. 

AAI’s role is to support elementary schools with strong bonds between parents and school staff. Their dedication makes the difference in overcoming the challenges of survival in this difficult environment. The parents and other family members participate in growing school-based organic gardens and preparing school lunches. Their volunteer time working together also makes a difference in building peace between families and rival clans.

In an AAI-sponsored school, parents know their child will be fed and cared for, have access to clean water, and participate in a quality education program. With our focus on better nutrition and better classrooms, several schools have become models of award-winning performances within their province and the larger Autonomous region of Mindanao.

"Midday nourishment is essential for the mind and body to perform at a high level," says Principal Merhama, who has been an AAI partner for eight years at AAI’s premier model school in Jolo, Sulu. "Lunch is fuel for a child's healthy body and also creates a happy time to talk with other students. I have observed that in the high-risk areas where Asia America is present, having a meal at school does encourage students to attend school.”  

Asia America Initiative serves as a communication bridge for peace. Schools provide positive interaction and equal treatment of various cultural groups. AAI volunteers, teachers, and especially school leaders facilitate mutual respect and inspiration for the students to surmount many obstacles caused by poverty and communal violence. 

Know that your donations have improved the lives of many families, and we thank you!

If you would like to add to your support or become a monthly sponsor, please click the link below to assist in this worthwhile endeavor.

Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water

Wishing you peace in the new year,

Albert Santoli,

Director, Asia America Initiative

Links:

• Asia America Website