Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water

Dear Friends,

In all geographic regions of the Philippines, lingering post-pandemic physical and mental health traumas have taken a considerable toll. In addition, natural calamities and ineffective governance have intensified food shortages. Rising prices are putting pressure on basic necessities in local communities. 

Since the New Year, 2023 our programs have assisted more than 20,000 children and young adults in hard-to-reach villages and tribal areas in the regions of Luzon, Mindanao and Visayas. Asia America Initiative and our local grassroots partners and industrious volunteers are committed to conducting relief operations in multiple rural communities, emphasizing good nutrition and hygiene practices. We have upgraded training programs for teachers in livelihood development and remedial educational in the schools we sponsor.

"Electricity is scarce and internet connection is unreliable," says Principal Hannah in Muslim Mindanao. "When children cannot attend school, they are denied face to face classroom learning," adds Nurse Faith, AAI coordinator in the Christian Visayas region. To address barriers to social and economic development, Asia America Initiative continues to provide hygiene and medical supplies to school age children, teachers, and volunteers. In addition, we have been supporting and supplying Reading and Math outdoor learning camps in dozens of schools, including for mountainous tribes.

Dr. Yolanda our volunteer groups coordinator says, "Children and their parents are invigorated through literacy, livelihood skills, and health support programs and special events. We are determined to continue to facilitate these programs through non-biased school communities."

New psychology programs at colleges like Notre Dame of Jolo have addressed the emotional and learning disability impact of pandemic-related school closures.  "These new counseling programs have created a dramatic improvement in under-served communities where extreme poverty and communal violence are rampant,"  says Professor Zhea at Notre Dame of Jolo College campus. 

Thanks to our GlobalGiving donors and local parents, Returned Overseas Workers volunteers and police and military veterans, we are continuing to make a substantial difference in the communities.

Mothers and fathers of pupils assist teachers to cook daily meals. Inter-faith cooperation teaches students the value of teamwork and unity.  AAI provides face masks, basic food, clean water, and other hygiene products. Principal Nash reminds us, "It's the parents, teachers, and school children who provide the energy needed for us to succeed."

If you would like to add to your support or begin a monthly donation, please click through this report and GlobalGiving will instruct you in how you can assist in this worthwhile endeavor.