Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water

by Asia America Initiative
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water

Project Report | May 24, 2018
Children Displaced by Armed Conflict in Countryside Cared for in City Schools

By Albert Santoli | Project Leader

Lunch for refugees at Sheikh Mustafa Elementary
Lunch for refugees at Sheikh Mustafa Elementary

 

"Sometimes an outside organization with a big heart can act as a bridge to bring a divided community together to inspire the common good,"  says teacher Tarhata, who teaches 5th grade in the town of Jolo in an area of Muslim Mindanao historically known as "the islands of fear."  Natural disasters and sudden communal violence are abundant in the Philippines, which is anchored by the southern Sulu island region, near the borders of Indonesia and Malaysia. In Sulu, a school-aged population of close to 500,000 children and youths are mostly impoverished and malnourished. Sulu Province with a majority Muslim population remains at the bottom of the UN's worldwide Human Development Index. Few schools have books, clean water, adequate nutrition and lack basic tools for livelihood training. In 2017 martial law was declared across the province by the national government in Manila. However, violent crime and kidnapping for ransom has once again increased.

Unusual harsh weather, such as flooding caused by the recent out-of-season Typhoon Vinta has intensified the suffering of families caused by the ongoing conflict in the southern Midanao region.  Many school aged children and their families have become displaced especially from outlying rural areas. Even though Sulu schools and public health services are already overburdened and underfunded by local goverments, there are no large international agengies engaged in providing support to tdesperate diplaced communities. It takes a small and maneuverable all-volunteer organization backed by modest international donors to come to the rescue and fill the gaps.  Asia America Initiative has 16 years of experience in Jolo and surrounding rural areas. In addition, AAI Director Al Santoli has used lessons learned from community-based relief efforts in the Christian Visayas region to structure programs in Muslim Sulu such as the mass feeding of school childen and community teamwork.

"With financial contributions from GlobalGiving," says Santoli, " our voulunteers of all ages from grandparents to elementary school sudent nurses, have come to the rescue on numerous occasions."  AAI Feeding and Reading programs are providing a nutritious meal each day, cooked and served by parents.  The summer reading classes emphasize "child to child" mentoring to the displaced children whose schools have been closed or burned down. The teachers in the community have noticed many of the children are older in age and would normally already be working to help support their families rather than attending school.  But education is a statement of hope that many families hold on to in a merciless environment.

An extra benefitof the program," says Principal Merhama in Jolo, "is it createas a rare opportunity for meeting and bonding with these children and their families.  With help from AAI  we can provide comfort through nutrition, washing facilities, clean drinking water and medical support. Of course, exposure to reading classes may open up an opportunity for the children to attend regular school year classes at least part time and keep them away from violent revenge activities. If not for AAI and their donor support, practically none of this could be possible." 

Younger children who have been displaced can be identified and registered to attend the regular school year in the more urban Jolo region. "Often times, children from deeply rural areas, especially girls, do not attend school as they may be very far away and conditions may be too dangerous for them to travel alone," observes Teacher Tarhata.  "AAI sponsored feeding programs offer an incentive for the families, especially mothers, aunts and grandmothers, to participate in the preparation of a daily meal during the regular school year."  

Thanks to our experiences in Cuartero Capiz in Visayas, Asia America Inititative has learned how to empower elementary schools in regions where children are victims of natural and man-made disasters. Inter-faith community efforts teach students the value of cooperation. We provide clean water and hygiene tools. We support literacy, livelihood, gardening, and school lunches by parents to enhance health, economic progress and peace.

Using the schools as community mediation and planning centers, AAI encourages positive interaction through equal treatment of various cultural and religious groups.  "AAI is a good listener and allows everyone to provide good ideas.  This patient engagement transcends cultural differences,and fosters mutual respect and inspiration,"   says Principal Merhama, "This bond of communication is the foundation for building trust and long-term progress."

Reading classes for refugee children w AAI books
Reading classes for refugee children w AAI books
Firemen  deliver water containers to 536 families
Firemen deliver water containers to 536 families
Nurses prepare vitamin and first aid for refugees
Nurses prepare vitamin and first aid for refugees
AAI US team packing relief supplies for refugee
AAI US team packing relief supplies for refugee
Child to child learning at Salih Yusah Elementary
Child to child learning at Salih Yusah Elementary
Refugee children enjoying a meal provided by AAI
Refugee children enjoying a meal provided by AAI
Refugee child happy to be provided with food
Refugee child happy to be provided with food
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Organization Information

Asia America Initiative

Location: Washington, DC - USA
Website:
Project Leader:
Albert Santoli
Washington , DC United States
$49,215 raised of $60,000 goal
 
429 donations
$10,785 to go
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