Aid to Refugees of Storms, Floods, and Violence

Dear Friends,

Asia America Initiative provides relief to remote communities that are damaged by storms, flooding, and earthquakes. Local craftsmen use their skills to rebuild, but they are often ignored by government at all levels.

In our letter, we will showcase a school after recent storm devastation in the Philippines, in late 2023. Several classrooms were damaged by large trees falling through the roof. With your help, we provided resources and building supplies so repairs could be done immediately. Students are now back in their classrooms ready to learn.

We always respect and admire, the traditional building methods in the various areas of the Philippines where we provide support and training in schools. The local communities know best what is good for construction and repairs. The climate is hot and humid and classrooms can be overcrowded. Airflow is a must. We promote the use of concrete for floors and provide chairs and materials to build worktables for the students. This aids in improved sanitation and reduces the occurence of infections from water-bourne illness and disease.

Once we are notified of damage, the local schools we support provide a plan to rebuild. We do our part to purchase supplies but encourage local businesses to provide discounts or assistance in getting the schools repaired. The parents and other volunteers who have the skills to do the work provide the labor. With everyone working together and feeling part of the process, the classrooms are up and running in no time. "The skills are there but we can always use carpentry tools," says Dr. Yolanda who is an enthusiastic community organizer for the natives we assist.

The United Nations has named the Philippines as the most hard hit country by natural disasters. Every year, thousands of families in the Philippines are displaced by volcanoes, typhoons, fires, and floods. Rather than move hundreds of thousands of victims into makeshift villages with unstable government funding, we encourage families stay in their hometowns and rebuild. The schools are the center of the community and children are a unifying bond between parents and neighbors. Communities turn to their schools as temporary shelters after disasters, so we help to keep them in good condition.

If you would like to add to your support, or begin a monthly donation, please click on the link below.

Aid to Refugees of Storms, Floods, and Violence

Thank you,

Albert Santoli

Director Asia America Initiative