As we approach this year’s Philippines Day at Junior School on Friday, it is a good time to reflect on the impact which our fundraising is making in the lives of those in need in the Philippines.
Over the course of the last few years, Swan Christian College has developed a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with the people of the Philippines. Our Trade Training and Leavers to Leaders Impact trips have allowed our staff and students to build strong bonds with the local people and to leave a legacy through the projects that we were able to facilitate.
The funds raised from the 2017 Philippines Day paid for a sea container full of supplies to be transported to the Ati tribe in Kalacan, Philippines. The Ati people are an indigenous tribe who have been removed from their land and have experienced many hardships. Our teams were able to bring much joy to the Ati children, and the whole community, through the construction of a ‘McDonald’s style’ playground. Also, from the sea container our team was able to distribute clothes, toys and educational resources. The teams were also able to use the materials to construct windows for the school building, which will protect them during the typhoon season.
The funds from the 2017 Philippines Day were also used to bring two staff members from the Ati school, Lilia and Gab, over to Perth this year. They received valuable training to help them enhance the quality of education at their school.
The plans for the teams going over this year are to continue to build infrastructure such as: an extension to the basketball court, electrical work and handrailing to the staff quarters. The money from the Philippines Day will also provide much needed funds for materials for the Leavers to Leaders team to build a house for a family in need.
I encourage everyone to get behind this year’s Philippines Day at Junior School. The generosity of the Swan Community will continue to make a huge impact in the lives of people less fortunate than ourselves.
For more information please contact Ray Hockley, Head of Service Learning, Swan Christian College.