By Albert Santoli | Project Leader
Dear Friends,
The new 2024-25 school year approaches in the Philippines. Preparations have begun to expand hygienic environments by upgrading and building clean water stations and planting school gardens. These nationwide annual clean-up and renovation programs are supported by national and federal Education departments and are known in Filipino Tagalog language as "Brigada Eskwela" or "School Brigades."
Parents, teachers, firefighters, police, soldiers, and local civic organizations assist the public and private schools in preparing for the students' arrival. Asia America Initiative recognizes the opportunity to encourage community building and has participated as a private NGO for over twenty years. We also continue school renovations, repairs, and clean-up campaigns, including gardening, clean water, and hygiene throughout the year. Our role is to be "present" and complement the communities' caring efforts.
Poverty, hunger, rampant waterborne diseases, and limited public health plague many areas in the Philippines. Sulu Province remains near the bottom of the UN's worldwide Human Development Index. In the more than 150 islands of the Sulu archipelago, bordering Malaysia and Indonesia, the school-aged population of some 350,000 children -- more than half are girls -- suffer from hunger. Worldwide, female students are most affected in similar schools. Thanks to your assistance, we continue to help turn around this ranking, one school at a time.
"Education, the opportunity for livelihood, and preventing hunger are keys to peace," says teacher Jenny, whose son is in Middle School at Panamao HS. She teaches at Sahaya ES, a rural community outside of Jolo town. AAI's consistent presence has given all of us hope and boosted our morale," Jenny observes.
Girls' attendance continues to grow. Clean and bright classrooms, having access to clean water, and a daily lunch (served with vegetables from the school garden) keep girls and boys healthier and better prepared for academic studies.
If you feel inspired to contribute or start a monthly donation, we encourage you to take the next step. By clicking through this report, you can initiate a donation through GlobalGiving, thereby playing a vital role in our mission to provide clean water and nutrition for Muslim girls in the Philippines.
Clean Water, WASH & Nutrition for 500 Muslim Girls
Thank you,
Albert Santoli,
Director, Asia America Initiative
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