Cartwheel Foundation, Inc. (CFI) is a non-stock, non-profit organization founded in 1999. We envision a Philippines where Indigenous Peoples enjoy their rights to quality education, self-determination and active participation in community life amidst a thriving heritage. We exist to empower Indigenous Peoples’ communities by harnessing self-sustaining capacities through culturally relevant education.
The Education and Child Development Program focuses on facilitating access to quality and culturally-relevant early childhood education for indigenous children. Quality is achieved by ensuring the teachers are equipped with the right skills and methods, whereas cultural relevance comes with the indigenization of curriculum.
The ultimate goal is to see the existing pre-schools being run independently by proactive members of the partner communities.
Cultural LINKS: Leveraging Indigenous Niches through Knowledge and Storytelling is one of Cartwheel Foundation Inc.’s initiatives to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage of indigenous communities through storytelling.
It draws inspiration from two common practices that have been observed in Cartwheel’s partner communities: nurturing safe spaces for storytelling and integrating expressive arts into its practice.
The Young Indigenous Peoples Leaders Program is an initiative that contributes to the selected grantees’ scholastic, personal, and professional development. It aims to develop future community leaders among promising high school graduates with indigenous roots by supporting quality culturally-relevant tertiary education and holistic formation.
The YIP Leaders Program expects to produce graduates who are in a better position to help both themselves and their communities toward a life graced by dignity and opportunity.
In recognition of Cartwheel as one of the 20 non-government organizations of the People Power People Movement for bringing “health, livelihood, education and hope” to Indigenous Peoples (August 2003)
In recognition of Cartwheel’s indigenized curriculum and best practices under the Early Childhood and
Elementary Education Program for Higaonon young learners in Sinakungan, Agusan del Sur (December 1, 2014)
In recognition of Lilia Diaz, Cartwheel’s Community Teacher and inspiring role model, serving the Tagbanwa community of Culion, Palawan (June 10, 2014)
In recognition of Cartwheel as one of 30 honorees during Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan’s 30th anniversary celebration for remaining steadfast in “keeping the People Power spirit alive through advocacy for social justice and meaningful work” (February 24, 2016)
In recognition of Relinda Montimor, Cartwheel’s Community Teacher, serving the Sama-Bajau community of Zamboanga City (March 2020)
In recognition of Cartwheel for its significant contribution in journeying with Indigenous Peoples—uplifting lives through education, sustainable livelihoods, environmental stewardship, and family-building initiatives” (August 9, 2025)
Cartwheel seeks to give indigenous youth and communities the chance to enjoy their right to quality and culturally relevant education.v
We empower indigenous peoples communities by improving their self-sustaining capacities and increasing their access to resources.
As we continue our mission, Cartwheel leaps beyond advocating the rights of the IPs to quality education. Let us show you where we are
Your gift will definitely go a long way in making the dreams of Filipino indigenous youth a reality through education.
