Empower 500 Homeless Girls with Books and Wellness

Dear AAI Supporters,

COVID-19 has presented many challenges to conducting school programs.  AAI is continuing to provide supplies and books to homeless students regardless of pandemic-based school closings and lockdowns in these difficult times. Throughout the world, students are doing their best to interact with their teachers with mixed results. Education programs have also seen mixed results. Electronic classrooms largely utilize teaching by WIFI whether on a home computer or cell phone. In most areas we serve, access to electricity and WIFI is inconsistent or nonexistent. Our goal is to get educational materials to students, wherever they may be living.  Despite the obstacles, we are doing well thanks to our long-standing relationships with teachers, religious, and social leaders, good planners, and great parent-volunteers. Our volunteer teams include many teachers who have not yet taken their license exams.

Donors in the United States have been super in providing us with books and other educational materials. New shipments arrive in the Philippines every month and we distribute them to the major regions of the country.  We provide care packages of study materials, personal protective masks, and food and other nutrition to families in need. We are sensitive to the needs of female students, especially those made homeless by natural and man-made calamities.

"The efforts of AAI have been a blessing," says Principal Melda of Mukammali Elementary School in Indanan, Sulu. "When we have fallen short of school-based needs for our pupils and students, AAI and their donors have never forgotten us."

Homeless families have even more difficulties continuing to learn with access to school facilities not allowed as COVID cases continue to rise. AAI volunteers prepare packages and coordinate delivery of hygiene supplies and learning materials to the families even where conditions might be risky.  

We are very proud of their efforts and the incredible generosity of our donors. Principal Melda reminds us, "During times of crisis we all must help each other. To help even one person is an important step toward assuring we can all be safe and remain healthy. We can count on you always. Thanks again."

Thanks to our GlobalGiving community for your support,

Albert Santoli,

Director, Asia America Initiative

Links:

• Asia America Initiative website