Ironically enough, the path to this particular school included crossing rivers like how the parents and teachers would describe as their hardship route to school. Yet we found ourselves joyful-laughing as we crossed the rivers with a tricycle to get to the school.

The Batac community shared moments with us that will forever be cherished. A drawing workshop was made possible through the generosity of Ms. Arli Pagaduan. They also interacted with a story told by Kuya Rey Bufi, where laughter and awe resounded. Lastly, the book turnover by Rainey Dolatre, Cartwheel’s Director of Programs and Partnerships, Kuya Rey and Arli completed the set of memorable events. These activities are made possible not only through generosity but also through the support and perseverance of multiple people with the help of both Sir Roy and Sir Jun for their neverending support.

Helping a community doesn’t just mean being a provider, it also means being a shoulder they could lean on and a source of their joy. For Cartwheel Foundation, helping a community means preserving and cherishing a community’s culture while encouraging them to be proud of it so that along with traditions, happiness and good memories can also be passed down through all generations.

—–

Cultural LINKS: Leveraging Indigenous Niches through Knowledge and Storytelling is one of Cartwheel’s initiatives to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage of indigenous communities through the co-creation of illustrated storybooks. 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 their practice.