Empower 500 Homeless Girls with Books and Wellness

Dear Friends of AAI,

In December 2021, Typhoon Rai or Odette in the Philippines intensified and scoured through the center of the country causing widespread damage and homelessness. AAI and our partners arranged a relief caravan to travel into the countryside to provide relief in the remote areas of Cebu region and devastated Surigao del Norte province that had been mostly forgotten. Poverty is already pervasive in these areas and women and girls are especially vulnerable.

During recent years, thousands of Filipino families become homeless due to calamities including earthquakes, typhoon floods, volcanos, armed conflict, and fires. Women and girls are the most seriously affected. This project empowers girls made homeless from these disasters by providing books and school supplies to continue their education and hygiene supplies for their overall health.

Although the Covid pandemic has limited the ability of Director Santoli to be on-site, the courage and selfless efforts of our field coordinators and volunteers have maintained a consistency in providing much needed supplies. We back up each other as teammates when we are working the 12-hour time difference between the United States and the Philippines. Our true strength is our openness and respect for people of many faiths and cultures. "At first, the local people who seldom see outsiders were cautious to communicate with our volunteers," says Dr. Yolanda, who provides a 24-hour lifeline during such times of dire need.  "What also surprised them was to see Christians and Muslims working together in support of communities who were not blood relations to them."

Monthly, AAI supply shipments have been arriving in the Philippines containing food, water, hygiene, and other relief supplies. Our small legion of volunteers in the Philippines include college students and business owners to retired law enforcement and military veterans. Partner organizations have donated trucks, jeeps, and warehouses to process relief items in covered spaces that will ensure its quality and safety.

Thank you for supporting our meaningful project. If you would like to add to your contribution, please click through this report. You may also be interested in a smaller monthly donation to help support women and girls left homeless and recovering from Typhoon Odette. Through April 8th, make a donation up to $50 and receive a 50% match from GlobalGiving!

Wishing you peace,

Albert Santoli,

Director

Asia America Initiative

Links:

• Asia America Initiative website

Between November 2020 and November 2021, thousands of Filipino families became homeless due to non-stop calamities including a large earthquake, typhoon floods, the eruption of Taal volcano in the capitol region, Covid19, armed conflict, and a major fire in Jolo, Mindanao. Women and girls are the most seriously affected. This project will empower girls made homeless from these disasters by providing books and school supplies to continue their education and hygiene supplies for wellness programs.

Girls displaced by disasters live in open-air evacuation centers or are crammed into one room shacks with extended families.  This often causes more than 10 adullts and children to share one room.  Access to safe shelter, education, clean water, and sanitation is extremely limited. Lack of hygiene is a major cause of illness. Lack of schools, essential books, and classroom supplies prevents adequate learning. In this pivotal time of their lives, health, safety, and continued development of educational skills are essential to reach full potential and contribute to the well-being of their entire family and community. Our holistic program combines health, hygiene and learning as a tripartite approach to rebuilding communities in atmosphere of hope and determination to succeed.

In Jolo, Sulu, Principal Merhama of Salih Yusah Elementary School states, "The presence and consistency of Asia Ameica Initiaitive to inspire community-wide rebuilding following floods and two large fires this past year has motivated teamwork among teachers, parents and our pupils.  Where in many school communities the COVID pandemic has added to a depressed attitude of helplessness, Professor Santoli and his AAI team backed by their generous donors, have given us a more positive outlook on life."

In Capiz, Cuartero in the central Visayas Region of the Philippines, Nurse Faith, who coordinates AAI health and nutition proigrams, says:  "Regardless of the difficulties of reaching our mountain schools in highland areas, AAI has never backed down from the challenges. Where most of students happen to be females, AAI somehow provides books ands other materials that encourage their self-confidence to achieve and to have the small necessities in life that make a huge difference in their well-being. God bless you all."

This Holiday Season as heavy rains continue to create floods and add to the numbers of displaced persons who may have lost their meager family possessions, we are grateful for your support. During these challenging and unpredictable times, weseek your continued partnership.  We thank you for not forgetting us.

Links:

• Asia America Initiative website