Last November 4-11, 2014, midyear assessment meetings were facilitated by Cartwheel team members for the Early Childhood and Elementary Education Program of the Higaonon learners from Sinakungan, Agusan del Sur. Programs Officer Celia Jurado and Education Coordinator Bricks Sintaon, together with Community Organizer Kevin Salicona, gathered the community members and teachers in open discussions to give feedback on program implementation and the participation of those involved.

Improvement was seen with the considerable increase in program support given by community members. Many have been more willing to provide assistance during school activities; they joined in their regular pahina or cleaning routine around the school grounds; and parents have continued to take turns in preparing meals for the young learners as part of the program’s feeding component.

It was also worth noting that attendance of the children in school had improved significantly, with more of them recognizing progress acquired from consistently going to class. The hands-on involvement of their community organizer in mobilizing various resources has greatly contributed to these developments.

The pre-school classroom being constructed much nearer to the students’ homes will soon be ready too. Young learners no longer have to walk a considerable distance to attend class; it is hoped that more parents will be encouraged to regularly send their children to school given the new structure’s proximity to where they live. The Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) from the area has also been helping out in the construction of the toilet for the new classroom.

The community’s culture as indigenous Higaonon has remained very much alive as well. At the assessment meetings, they expressed their excitement for two upcoming events they will all be celebrating together: panalanginun — a ritual performed in thanksgiving for an abundant harvest, and Araw Ta Sinakungan – their community fiesta where all are invited to feast on local food and enjoy their traditional games.

Additionally, Mr. Sintaon facilitated a mini-workshop on the development of indigenous instructional materials with the teachers and volunteers as participants.