By this time of the year, our Badjao scholars would have been excited and busy as they go to their classes for the new school year. But because of the pandemic, classes nationwide have been put on hold to protect the children from possible Covid-19 infection. No vaccine, no face-to-face classes. However, the Philippines will go for alternative, distance learning - classes online, or through designated radio and TV stations, and other learning delivery mode this coming August.
While it is possible for some, it is obviously hard for others especially the poor communities that don’t have access to the Internet or don’t have the necessary gadgets like laptops or smart phones. This would definitely be even harder for the Badjaos. We are trying to figure out how to help our scholars the best we could in this situation. Meanwhile, online enrollment is on going and by the end of this month we will know how many Badjaos have enrolled.
On the other hand, we had 13 Badjao scholars who graduated the past school year. Though there was no traditional graduation ceremony that happened in April, we still congratulate our elementary graduates. We are also proud of our honor students. Sunshine, Grade 5, was awarded “With High Honors” plus a couple of other special awards. Celia, Grade 8, ranked 8th out of 32 in her class. She has leadership skills in school and even in church. There were a few others who got awards as well.
Your help and support have made it possible for them to have this opportunity to go to school, to excel, and to dream for a good future. In fact, we have many other Badjaos who are as interested to study and need our support. One is Angel, 11 years old, the eldest in the family. She can read and is very active in school. Like most Badjaos, fishing is their only source of income. Paying for her school needs is an additional burden for her parents who could not afford. Angel can only continue her studies with our help.
Carl, 7, is a very playful and enthusiastic kid. He can do some basic writing and reading, too. He has three other siblings. His father is currently recovering after being shot while fishing. His mother is our volunteer staff. He also needs our help.
Would you pray and consider sponsoring them? For just $20 a month you can send a child to school and change the course of their future. Thank you for doing this work together with us all these years.