By Albert Santoli | Project Leader
Dear Friends,
July is Nutrition Month in the Philippines. Nutrition, Clean Water, and Safe Hygiene are vital for all children, although we are especially sensitive to the complex needs of girls.
In June, when students return to classes, they receive daily meals and fresh food supplements prepared by their moms. Students help expert gardening teachers to plant their school gardens. Teachers, school nurses, and volunteers at each school use their artistic skills to begin preparing activities for the school children.
At our flagship Salih Yusah Elementary School, heavy monsoon rains and earthquake damage have not prevented parents and teachers from planting and harvesting a new crop of fresh organic vegetables in the urban school's year-round central playground garden. "AAI has provided each class a 25-pound bag of rice per week," says school head Dr. Merhama. "And our parents supplement school-based meals with veggies and herbs that they grow in our garden."
This year, Anuling Elementary School celebrated Nutrition Month with an interactive program during physical education class. Guided by the school nurses, the children learned about “grow foods,” healthy meals, fruits, vegetables, and the importance of proper nutrition. Classroom discussions, drawings, costumes, and student presentations helped make these lessons engaging and easy for young learners to understand.
At Pag-asinan Elementary School, parents and teachers worked together to conduct a week-long feeding program for the children. Community volunteers prepared large quantities of nutritious food, often using simple outdoor cooking facilities near the school. Their work showed how much can be accomplished when families, educators, and local leaders share responsibility for the health and education of their children. Special appreciation goes to the many volunteers and parents who contributed their time and labor.
Asia America Initiative supports school-based nutrition and feeding activities that help children remain healthy, attentive, and ready to learn. Through partnerships with teachers, parents, nurses, and community volunteers, AAI helps strengthen programs that connect nutrition education with practical access to healthy meals. These efforts reflect AAI’s commitment to supporting the whole child and building stronger schools through locally led action.
AAI promotes girls' health in schools by building clean water systems and WASH facilities. We provide soap, toothpaste, and other hygiene products to strengthen girls' health. When there is access to clean water, parents are more likely to send their children to school. When girls are able to practice good hygiene, they attend school on more days, and their classroom performance improves.
If you would like to continue to support this project, click the link below to make a donation with GlobalGiving. We thank you for supporting AAI’s great projects, and we will continue to send you inspiring progress reports!
Clean Water, WASH & Nutrition for 500 Muslim Girls
Wishing you peace,
Al Santoli,
Director, Asia America Initiative
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