Who would have thought that the best skimmers and surfers in the Philippines, if not the world, need some educational assistance?
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| Dahican beach |
The Community Partner
Travelers and water sports enthusiasts love the way Amihan Skim and Surf Team members gracefully dance with the big waves of Mati, Davao Oriental. As the fruit of their rigid training, interest in sports, teamwork, self-discipline and strict no-smoking-no-alcohol policy, they have grabbed some of the awards in local and international skimming and surfing competitions.
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| Amihan Team's headquarter |
When they are not on their board shorts, however, they are just ordinary kids from big fisher folk families who earn about Php 150.00 per day for the family. This straitened circumstance has resulted to more complicated problems, two of which are lack of food supply for the entire family and the parent's incapability to send their children to school.
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| Where they sleep |
This situation is the reason why some of the Amihan kids have decided to stay in the team's thatched headquarter along the beach. By providing surfing or skimming lessons to guests, taking care of turtles and cleaning the beach, they receive free food (from the group's income) and shelter (in their "kubo" or hammock in between posts or trees) as well as training from Kuya Jun Plaza, the founder and leader of the group.
Pens of Hope's Plan
Although the team's positive diversion is admirable, it is sad to say that some of these kids have stopped attending formal classes. Kuya Jun doesn't favor of this as he understands the true value of education in a person's life. He wants them to finish their studies, learn how to interact with guests and be the best that they can be.
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| The team's bath and comfort room |
In response to this need, we (Pens of Hope in Davao) have decided to make the community our partner from this year. This May 18, we will be going back to the area for a gift giving activity with 19 Amihan students. Many of them are teenagers who have difficulty in reading, writing and speaking simple English. Most of them are teenagers who haven't finished their elementary education yet.
Join Us!
Interested in joining this activity? Here's our itinerary:
3:00 am - Assembly time in Victoria Plaza van terminal
3:00 - 7:00 am - Travel to Mati
7:00 - 8:30 am - Breakfast and preparation for the program
8:30 - 10:30 am - Program proper
10:30 - 2:00 noon - Beach activities; lunch
2:00 - 6:00 - Travel to Davao
Program proper will include storytelling, hygiene orientation and school supplies distribution. The storytelling activity will be facilitated by a local volunteer.
The hygiene orientation includes a short session and demonstration on how to wash hands and toothbrush properly. The hygiene kits to be used during the activity will be provided by Bobby Dela Victoria of Exal Industries Corporation and Cromwell Bacareza. We also donated some of the wash facility materials that the community will build before our 13th Big Day.
The hygiene orientation includes a short session and demonstration on how to wash hands and toothbrush properly. The hygiene kits to be used during the activity will be provided by Bobby Dela Victoria of Exal Industries Corporation and Cromwell Bacareza. We also donated some of the wash facility materials that the community will build before our 13th Big Day.
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| Dahican team with POHD vols |
Volunteers need to pay for their own travel (P220 one way) and meal expenses. You can also stay in Mati overnight if you want to; just let us know.
How to Help
You can help this activity by:
- Donating school supplies
- Joining us during the distribution
- Sharing this blog post to your family and friends
Contact Information
If you want to donate or have any comments, suggestions and questions about the activity, please send a message to pensofhopeindavao@gmail.com or kikitavenue@gmail.com.
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