The State of Siasi, Sulu Classrooms

This photo has saddened but inspired me to keep the Filipino children in Sulu in my heart. Their classrooms (if any) are in a war-torn, decrepit state; they probably enjoy the outdoor sessions, under the shady trees better. And yet, the kids are smiling, they seem excited and eager--making most of what they
have. . .

Because of them, I tell myself and my kids never to take what we have for granted. And during the hard times, I draw strength from these pictures and remind myself that so many have it harder, and yet they carry on like it wasn't. I miss this Filipino resiliency of spirit--enduring hardships so cheerfully. In a first-world country like the US, people are harder to please, many things are taken for granted, and reverence for our blessings is not a strong suit--it is easy to forget. . .

The Books Have Arrived!

Many thanks to all who gave away their books. Rest assured, they traveled a long way to the Philippines--and then a treacherous way by air, by sea, and by bus to very remote ARMM region in Mindanao.

The following post is a letter from Synergeia's Trissa Manalastas, relaying the good news of their safe and welcome arrival to the schools.

Here is our biggest reward: the biggest smiles of the kids, browsing our books--for class, for story-telling sessions, for recreational reading.


Indanan School, Sulu


Story-reading at Indanan





Siasi, Sulu


Siasi Reading Corner (needs more books!)


Siasi classroom Story-reading



Wonderful! Wonderful!

I plan to put a book box together by June. Let me know if I can pick-up any more children's books from your generous families.

God Bless your generous hearts always!

From Synergeia

Dear Ms. Minotte,

Your email just arrived in time. I just got back from a 12-day trip to
Cotabato City. We are currently conducting our teacher trainings in
April since elections will be held this May. I apologize for the late reply.

Anyway, I put together some pictures of our distribution in Indanan and
Siasi, Sulu. I included pictures of the schools as well so you can see
how our children are doing in the Sulu areas. As you can see, the
classrooms are in need of repairs as well.




We distributed the books to schools which has requested for more books as well (we were only able to give for two
schools).





An added information - if you've heard of the recent hostage taking in
Sulu by the Abu Sayaff, the hostages were taken in the area of our
elementary school in Indanan (see page 2 of the attached pictures). Better
education will really play a big role in promoting development and consequently,
peace in the Muslim Mindanao area. The hostage-taking incident happened a
month after we visited the area and distributed the books you sent us. We
prioritized these schools for book distribution also because they are
most in need of materials. I hope you will be pleased to know that your
donations have (literally) gone a long way (from Manila to the southernmost tip
of the Philippines) and will help children that need them most.

Please do continue sending materials. We will bring them with us when
we go on-site for our trainings. We truly appreciate all the support you are
extending from there and for our children in Mindanao.

If you like, I can send the pictures individually as well (in jpeg
format),just let me know.

Anyway, hope you are doing well. Thank you so much again for your
continued support.

Best regards,
Trissa