On-going Preparations for “Angiskul ma Bangka” for the Badjao of Zamboanga
In September 2013, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) encroached in some coastal villages in Southwest Mindanao, engaging in firefight with government troops that ended almost a month after. Known as the “Zamboanga Siege,” it resulted in fatalities, injuries, and the displacement of some 35,000 individuals. Among the most vulnerable evacuees were over 600 indigenous Badjao families who were left homeless after the conflict.
Cartwheel Foundation Inc. (CFI) and Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s Center for Community Extension Services (ADZU-CCES) are partners in the program, “Angiskul ma Bangka” (Classes in Bancas) with some 90-100 Badjao children of pre-school age as learners. This collaboration aims to help keep them off the streets, to learn in a safe environment, and to provide them with education that integrates their indigenous life ways.
As of September 2014, profiling and consultation meetings have already been initiated with the Badjao community members of Brgy. Mampang, Zamboanga recognized as key stakeholders. CFI Programs Officer Celia Jurado and Program Consultant Veronica Tarabi visited last August 23-24, 2014 to move forward in the setting up of an Early Childhood Education Program for the Badjao children in the said transitory site.
Al-Fatima explains to CFI team members the Badjao community’s ideal temporary learning structure, with information gathered from previous consultation meetings
One of the Badjao fathers showing CFI team members stingray as his catch for the day
Badjao families at their transitory site in Brgy. Mampang, Zamboanga line up to collect water for each of their households