Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water

As schools remain closed around the world, students feel isolated from their education, teachers and classmates. In Sulu, Philippines an AAI-sponsored school, Salih Yusah Elementary has created a "House to House" program. The principal, Doctor Merhama, and her faculty team of teachers and the school nurse organized a multi-day event to visit students in their homes. Hundreds of students and their families were visited. The emphasis is on reaching out to those students who have no internet connection or electronic devices and live in the poorest areas of the city. 

Sitting together on living room floors, educational assessments were made of student progress since the global pandemic and remote classroom process began. Families were given hygiene kits and school supplies. Gifts of snacks were provided to the children. The Teachers and the Principal were able to re-connect with their students. "You could see it in their faces," observed Doc Merhama. "They were so happy to see their school teachers."

The School Nurse was there to check the general health of the students. She and the team performed psychological assessments of each child, deworming, anti-drug education, and demonstrated the proper way to sanitize hands and wear masks. So far, the event has been a big success. Other schools are now planning to do the same kind of outreach. 

Schools are central to a young person's development. Parents trying to teach children at home face many difficulties due to limits caused by their lack of education. The faculty at Salih-Yusah felt a duty to reach out to those students they knew were struggling and  lost in the COVID19 crisis. "The families were so relieved to see the Salih-Yusah team arrive," says Doc Merhama, "we were happily welcomed into their homes."

In the Philippines, religious conflict and natural disasters have caused suffering for millions of Filipino children, even before the pandemic. This program empowers elementary school children who are victims of these natural and man-made disasters to feel connected to society. Sulu is 90 percent Muslim and less than 10 percent Christian. Inter-faith education brings communities together and teaches students the value of cooperation and diversity. AAI programs provide books, school supplies, clean water, and hygiene supplies. In response to the Covid19 crisis, we are providing PPE protections, hand-wash, and nutrition programs for more than 5,000 children.

Thank you for your support of this very essential project. If you would like to participate in this week's Little by Little campaign, please click on the link below. The campaign is running from Monday, March 8 to Friday, March 12. GlobalGiving is generously offering a 50% match on donations up to $50.

This is a good time to make a difference as we are preparing these communities to return to in-person education, their school gardens, and school lunches. Thank you!

Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water

Wishing you peace,

Albert Santoli,

Director

Asia America Initiative

Links:

• Asia America Initiative website

In the midst of the COVID pandemic and the battering rain, wind, and 10-foot floodwaters engulfing villages and towns, terrorism and civil war continue to torment the people of the Philippines. Asia America Initiative feels blessed to have groups of loyal donors who have made our ongoing relief programs effective and consistent. In addition, we have emphasized community-based teamwork among local community members. We have bolstered the dignity of men, women, and children to not surrender -- no matter how difficult the natural and man-made calamities are that weigh against their survival. 

AAI is pleased to assist ongoing efforts by local villagers and community leaders in the Patikul district of Sulu province to create new villages after years of war and destruction. Many thousands had been displaced and have survived in temporary shelters with support from big-hearted relatives, NGOs like AAI, the Philippine military, and local civic agencies.

For more than 50 years, religious conflict and natural disasters have caused suffering for millions of Filipino children. Our partnership programs empower the forgotten members of society to build model communities utilizing the values of peace and economic development. Inter-faith educational outreach teaches students the value of cooperation and diversity. We provide books, school supplies, clean water, and hygiene supplies. In response to the Covid19 crisis, we are providing protective gear, hand-wash facilities, and clean water systems, as well as nutrition programs for more than 5,000 children.

Sulu Province, with a majority Muslim population and an industrious Christian community, remains near the bottom of the UN's worldwide Human Development Index. In November, AAI proved our commitment to resettling more than 2000 people in two reconstructed villages in the shadow of the Bud Daho mountain. We are targeting at least two additional "Peace Zone" villages to begin resettlement by the New Year. 

Giving Tuesday is Tuesday, December 1. If you would like to continue to support this program, your contribution will receive a match from GlobalGiving if made before midnight. Click the link below:

Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water

Wishing you peace in the coming year,  

Albert Santoli

President, Asia America Initiative

Links:

• Asia America Initiative website