Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water

The Bright Future Scholar program was created by IPI Foundation and AAI with the support of Visayas State University after the 2013-14 super-typhoon Haiyan brought devastation to the central area of the Philippines. Today, six years later, we continue to conduct this efective program to combine college graduation with job placement training and opportunities.

Our Bright Futures partners and mentors to the students, from Cebu-based IPI Foundation, sent this message to Class of 2020 graduates in Leyte and Iligan, Philippines who were not able to attend formal graduation ceremonies due to the Covid19 pandemic lockdown. 

"My Dearest Bright Future Scholars, 

We are honored to have been part of your life’s journey. We are extremely proud of you. I will continue to pray for your life's success. My greatest message for you all as I told you before during our training that wherever you are, especially that you are already at the top, please be humble and kind to all people. Be generous, always have gratitude and a pure heart. Be willing to look back where you came from and most especially, seek for God's Guidance. You will always be in good hands if you will do that. Our special thanks and gratitude to Mr. Albert Santoli and to our Partners. May God bless you all."

Communities in Visayas are recovering from natural weather disasters, as well as the economic pain inflicted by the pandemic. In all regions we supply schools with books, clean water, adequate nutrition, and hygiene supplies.

In a region torn by sporadic civil and ethnic civil war, the long-term positive impact of the Bright Futures program empowers Christian and Muslim youth to learn from each other through respective best practices. Asia America Initiative partners with IPI Foundation and One World Institute to serve as a communication bridge for action. Our social media facilitates transparent communication and dispels fear and myths that alienate communities who feel alone and abandoned. Based in local universities and in public schools, positive interaction and equal treatment of various cultural groups by AAI and our wonderful partners facilitates mutual respect and inspiration.

We are blessed and thank all of our donors who empower us to continue meaningful programs during dificult times.

Links:

• Asia America Initiative Website

Asia America Initiative believes that becoming active readers empowers children to be future leaders. Our sponsored schools in each major region of the Philippines receive books from AAI quarterly throughout the year for supplemrntal reading and to build their school libraries."The Asia America Initiative's provision of books and classroom guides for teachers has greatly improved our literacy performance to close to 100 percent of our pupils," says Dr. Merhama, principal of Salih Yusah Elementary School in Jolo, Sulu, which has been recognized as one of the leading education centers in the region by the Department of Education.

Books are donated to AAI from our loyal partners in the United States. We review them for quality and subject matter and then ship them to the schools in the Philippines where they are needed most. We receive story booksand text books -- including adult literacy --  in all subject matter. We provide books from Pre School to Post Grad nursing and medical schools. "The blessing of AAI's contribution to our Graduate School and Nursing School," says Dr. Anissa at Mindanao State University in Jolo, "has enabled our university to become a center of excellence in professional development."

The joy of learning on a child's face cannot be underestimated. Some AAI schools allow students to arrive early to read and look through books.  Students stand in line waiting for the library to open. Fathers and uncles of students build bookshelves and book trees for their libraries. Parent involvement is the key to success in any school. When parents and teachers work together, students benefit by being part of a safe environment with their educational needs adequaely addressed.

Religious conflict and natural disasters have caused suffering for millions of Filipino children. Our programs empowers elementary schools in regions where children are victims of natural and man-made disasters. Inter-faith education teaches students the value of cooperation and diversity. In addition to books, we also provide school supplies, clean water, and hygiene materials. We also support fresh water wells and school gardens to provide fresh vegetables for daily lunches cooked by volunteer parents.  The holistic nature of our programs enhance community-based progress and peace among diverse populations.

"The long-term positive impact of AAI's programs,"says Dr. Merhama," is that they empower Christian and Muslim communities to learn from each other through their respective best practices."  AAI serves as a communication bridge for action. Our social media facilitates transparent communication and dispels fear and myths that alienate communities who feel alone and abandoned. Starting in elementary schools, our positive interaction and equal treatment of various cultural groups facilitates mutual respect.

We could not achieve such positive results without the loyal support of our GlobalGiving donors. We ask you to please remember this program during the GlobalGiving "LIttle by Little" campaign betweem March 23 to March 28, when all donations between $10 and $50 will be matched by GlobalGiving at 50 percent.

Links:

• Asia America Initiative Website