Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water

Dear Friends,

Since 2023, our programs have assisted more than 50,000 children and young adults of many faiths in hard-to-reach villages and tribal areas in the regions of Luzon, Mindanao and Visayas, in the Philippines. Asia America Initiative and our local grassroots partners and volunteers are conducting relief operations in multiple rural communities, emphasizing good nutrition and hygiene practices.

What began as typhoon relief work in these areas following the pandemic, has blossomed into a larger, more sustainable peace and public health program. It became apparent that many communities were looking for ways to grow their own food in order to offset high food costs. The added benefit is they are now growing quality fruits and vegetables without chemicals. "We are helping the growers by providing information and online resources as well as hosting workshops on how to do it "the organic way," says our key partner Dr. Yolanda.

Food shortages and the rising costs of basic nutritional needs have been growing across the world. Asia America Initiative, One World Institute and Philippine-based partner organizations have entered communities in all regions of the island archipelago. "We provide seeds and train local farmers and malnourished families to grow food using organic methods," says Dr.Yolanda.  Together, we host on-site and on-line events to educate people from all walks of life on nutrition and hygiene. We also provide books and school supplies for the children and adult supplemental education programs.

The training events are well attended and we also host community meals to encourage participation in our model program of school feedings supplemented by school gardens. We can see mountain village communities accepting new practices with enthusiasm. We are thrilled to report that in the past 12 months, 450,000 people have joined this widespread collective to become new or better gardening centers to support economic growth and students' nutrition.

With your help, we are supporting communities to overcome extreme poverty and communal violence through integrated literacy, livelihood skills, and health support. Before the pandemic, we created a social media network for educators of all faiths to share new skills, hopes, and dreams. Mothers and fathers of pupils assist teachers to cook daily meals at school. We have provided thousands of books, school supplies, garden tools, and fresh water systems. We are pleased to now expand our programs into these new areas of the Philippines.

If you would like to add to your support or begin a monthly donation, please click this link.
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water

Your contributions have made a true difference. We are deeply grateful to you all. 

Sincerely,

Albert Santoli