The current pandemic makes it even more challenging for us to help our Badjao scholars in their studies, but we continue to adapt and find ways to help them get through some hurdles.
In less than a month from today, classes will begin. We have 119 scholars enrolled in kindergarten and elementary, 46 in high school, and 4 in college. Since traditional, face-to-face learning is still not allowed to protect the children from possible Covid-19 infection, they have to get used to the “new normal”, which is distance learning - modular, online classes, or through some designated radio and TV stations - a new concept and a hard option for many especially the poor communities.
We have coordinated with the local government for partnership with a local Christian radio station for a radio based instruction, which will be very helpful especially for the Badjao students who are just beginning to learn how to read and write. Most of their parents are not able to help and teach them.
We have bought 60 radio units for the kindergarten and first grade students - some of them are kids in the community who are not even in our scholarship program right now but we just feel the need to also help them at this very critical time. We also now have five Wifi gadgets where our scholars with smart phones can connect and learn online.
Meanwhile, we have stopped our feeding program at our center. We give the parents of our scholars 2kg of rice per week instead for them to cook at home.
Though it’s a difficult time for many of us right now, we continue to trust God to provide support. We have many other students in our program who need help. Jelly, 9, and Apple Jay, 16, are siblings. They are two of our most consistent honor students. Would you pray and consider sponsoring them? For $20 a month each, you can help these sisters continue their pursuit for education and a chance for a better future. Thank you. We value your partnership with us.