Teamwork makes the dream work, so they say. And what a happy day it would be to realize that the dream has become reality!

On October 16, 2019, the many active stakeholders involved in the program, Culture-based Education for Sama-Bajau Children of Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City gathered for the launching of the learners’ Activity Center. This was a special day to affirm and give thanks for the many good fruits their collaborative work has borne so far, making significant steps toward the shared vision of creating a safe learning environment that safeguards the holistic development of the Sama-Bajau children.

The event was organized by Cartwheel Foundation, in collaboration with its development partners Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation, the Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR), the City Social Welfare and Development Office of Parañaque City (CSWDO-Parañaque), the Barangay Local Government Unit of San Dionisio, Parañaque City (BLGU-San Dionisio), the teachers, parents, and learners of the Sama-Bajau community. Representatives from each of these groups gathered to celebrate the milestone achievement of officially setting up the Activity Center for the Sama-Bajau learners located within the San Dionisio Gymnasium, Parañaque City.

 

Highlighting the importance of collaboration

“We encourage participation. Hindi pwede mag-succeed ang isang programa kung bata lang. Meron tayong sama-samang effort para matuto at umunlad,” (“This program would not succeed if only the children were involved. Each of our efforts put together enable us to learn and develop”), stressed Ms. Marisa Nerry H. Escalona, Department Head of CSWDO-Parañaque, while addressing all attendees.

The same encouragement was echoed by Ms. Ilene S. Lotino, Head of the DSWD-NCR’s Special Project Section. “Lubos ang pasasalamat ng DSWD sa Cartwheel, sa suporta ng Consuelo at ng Barangay San Dionisio. Patuloy po tayo makiisa sa mga programang ibinababa sa atin,” (“DSWD extends its thanks to Cartwheel, with support from Consuelo Foundation and Barangay San Dionisio. Let us continue to unite in the program that has been set up”), she said.

Other government representatives who addressed the assembly were Councilor Raymond “Emon” Arceo of Barangay San Dionisio, City Councilor Vandolph Quizon of the 1st District of Parañaque City, and Congressman Eric Olivarez, also from said district.

 

“Dapat po talaga ang child protection ay ‘di lamang usaping pambata, pero sa magulang din,” (“Child protection should be discussed not only among children but should involve the parents too”), said Ms. Karen Marla Narcise-Rodulfo, Director for Programs of Consuelo Foundation.

Further affirmation was given by Ms. Nanette Lorenzo-Santos, co-founder and Treasurer of Cartwheel Foundation. “Tuwang-tuwa kami na lahat tayo ay nagtutulungan. Mararating natin ang ating pangarap at misyon kung tayo ay magtutulungan,” (“We are very happy that all of us are helping each other. We can only achieve our dreams and our mission if we help each other”), she said.

Sincere gratitude to everyone involved in the program was also expressed by one of the older Sama-Bajau learners, Carmela Kapilaran.

 

The program concluded with Igal-Igal, a traditional dance of the Sama-Bajau led by the children and parents. All other stakeholder representatives joined in too, showing gratitude to each other for the results their collaboration has achieved so far, eight months from when the program was initiated.

 

Showcasing the new and improved Activity Center

The Activity Center, which had been used by Sama-Bajau learners years before, was recently renovated for better ventilation and natural light to enter.

Four of its walls were painted with murals depicting scenes from Sama-Bajau life close to the sea, as reminders of a thriving culture and identity that is uniquely theirs. This initiative was made possible through the help of Gerilya—an artist collective whose work is mostly inspired by Philippine culture and history. Sama-Bajau parents and learners were proud to be involved in the creation of the murals—from the planning of its original concept to filling in the outlines with color.

 

 

 

It is with sincerest thanks that Cartwheel and its government partners recognize the generous support of Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation, toward the achievement of the goals of the collaboration. Together, Consuelo Foundation and Cartwheel have been working hand-in-hand to ensure a safe learning environment for the Sama-Bajau community of Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City, beginning with context-based education that fosters their cultural identity and well-being.

 

In its first few months of operation, teachers have reported that the number of enrolled Sama-Bajau learners has almost doubled since the program opened in August 2019. The young Sama-Bajau consistently attend classes, express much enjoyment in doing so, and are encouraged to keep on by their parents who have been equally active during consultative meetings and related initiatives.

With hearts bursting with gratitude, Cartwheel and its partners look back to where the past months of collective action have brought this initiative for Sama-Bajau learners. Filled with inspiration from each other, we look forward to sustaining the education program, hopefully, for many other generations to come.