By Albert Santoli | Project Leader
Dear Friends,
In the southern Philippines, Asia America Initiative's supported schools are our "Child Friendly" centers for peace and mediation. AAI's program of "One School, One Family" is intended to unite communities whose numerous clans have endured generations of armed conflict. We promote unity by providing access to health and nutrition for impoverished and malnourished children. By providing the components for school gardens, free lunches, and good hygiene, we help to encourage students to attend school. Those children might otherwise be expected to work to help feed families.
In early September 2024, students participated in a local story-telling and music event called Buwan ng Wika. Wrapped in their culture, with beautiful costumes, choral singing, and folk dancing competitions, the children also competed for prizes and school supplies with categories such as: Quizbee, Slogan Contest, and a Declamation Competition. Teachers, principals, parent volunteers, and students gathered for a meal together afterward. You can tell by their happy faces, that everyone had a great time!
AAI offered matching funds to inspire local business people to get involved. The camaraderie helped to encourage potential livelihood opportunities. Local business leaders got to know the students and the school leaders. AAI also donated prizes for the contests and protein items and rice for the luncheon.
In Academic contests, several schools from Sulu Province finished at the top (including First Place), in regional scholarly competitions for the first time in recorded history!
AAI's mission, with your help, is for communities to work together and rely on each other. Asia America Initiative serves as a communication bridge for peace action. Schools provide positive interaction and equal treatment of various cultural groups. AAI volunteers, teachers, and especially school leadership foster mutual respect and inspiration for the students to be able to overcome the many obstacles caused by poverty and communal violence in order to improve their lives.
AAI's program assists more than 30,000 elementary students in Mindanao and Visayas regions who are the future leaders of their communities. They are overcoming extreme poverty and communal violence through integrated literacy, livelihood skills, and health support. We have helped to create a social media network for Muslim and Christian educators and children to share their new skills, hopes, and dreams.
If you would like to add to your support or become a monthly sponsor, please click the link below to assist in this worthwhile endeavor.
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Wishing you peace,
Albert Santoli,
Director, Asia America Initiative
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