| School Breakfast Program for Datu Ambel Memorial High School
A "School Breakfast Program" for the students of Datu Ambel Memorial High School in Barangay Kilada, Matalam, Cotabato will be launched this School Year 2008 - 2009 to help increase motivation of students to finish high school. This will also help provide nourishment and energy to respond to the everyday physical and mental challenges in school.
In 2004, Datu Ambel Memorial High School was opened with 50 freshmen. It primarily catered to conflict affected communities in the Municipality of Matalam, Cotabato. Most families affected by conflict are deeply mired in poverty. In fact, many of its students have experienced the hardship associated with conflict: tension, hunger, harassment, illnesses, evacuation, homelessness, disruption of schooling and death of loved ones and friends.
After 4 years, only 8 students managed to continue facing the challenges of going to school rather than stray away and become unproductive or take on menial jobs either in the Philippines or in some unfriendly and cruel land abroad. A 16% high school completion rate pales in comparison to 34% in Matalam, 41% in North North Cotabato and 57% overall for the Philippines.
Parents have been trying their best to also face the challenges that beset a family with school age children. They could hardly afford the minimal fees and yet, they bravely face life's hardships and really try hard to motivate their children to finish their studies.
Aside from the long walk to and from school where some cross a river on foot, students also go to school hungry most of the time. This is a blunt and real reason why student motivation to attend school is very low.
Through supporting a "school breakfast program" we can help them realize their dreams of breaking the chains of poverty. One may only donate P15.00 a day or P390.00 a month (26 days) per child for a simple breakfast to fuel the minds and motivation of students.
In support of a community's aspiration of sending their children to college, this program will be jointly undertaken by Datu Ambel High School of Kilada, Matalam, Cotabato, Move On Philippines International, Inc. based in Jacksonville, Florida, USA (www.moveonphil.org) and Mindanao Land Foundation, Inc. (MinLand).
And YOU are invited to join us. Let's bring hope to poor communities. Together we can help a community break the cycle of poverty for only P15.00 a day!
Do email us (minland-cmo@minland.ph or asbato@minland.ph) for questions and for details on how to send your financial support. You may send PhP195 every payday to cover one child's breakfast for half a month or PhP390/month or even a school year's needs for as many students. (MinLand)
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