DITSA-AN RAMAIN, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Continuing its advocacy of making education possible, especially for conflict-affected communities, the Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW)-Philippines released the P1,000 stipend of 600 learners here covering the months of May, August, September, and October, this year.
Such an initiative was pursued through the educational component of the organization's three-year program dubbed Sustaining Transformative and Resilient Initiatives in Vulnerable Communities (STRIVEC) in Ranao Philippines funded by the IRW-Canada.
Among the 600 learners who received the allowance were those from six barangays of the targeted town and enrollees in three government schools, namely, Barimbingan Central Elementary School (BCES), Gandamato Primary School, and Sultan Alauya Alonto Central Elementary School, and four madrasahs namely, Lumbac Ramain Al-Islamiyah, Al Rashida Al-Islamiyah, Mahad Nasser Al-Islamiyah and Shamsiya Al Islamiya.
Underscoring the positive impacts of their effort, IRW-Philippines Area Programme Manager Sittie Jamairah Disomimba conveyed that she was happy to learn that the number of enrollees in their covered schools has increased while the number of drop-outs has decreased due to the provision of support to learners which, accordingly, motivated the children to go to school.
However, with their current undertaking intended to be implemented for only three years, she looked forward to pushing for more interventions in the next years to come.
Disomimba further stated that at the moment, they aim to strengthen their promotion of the welfare of the children in every society.
“It is just sad that this is only for three years, and hopefully, we can come up with another program afterward. Now, we are improving it in a way that we are improving child protection kasi karamihan dito sa atin ay walang alam about children’s rights,” she said.
Disomimba told their beneficiaries that her organization would not be staying forever and their program was just to motivate the recipients of their aid.
As such, she remained optimistic that people, especially children, would realize the value of education.
Meanwhile, Junaid Cadalay of the Schools Division of Lanao del Sur-I expressed his gratitude to the IRW-Philippines for extending support to learners under their jurisdiction.
He affirmed that this was indeed a big help, especially since most of their students struggle with their survival as their parents only earn below the minimum or standard income, such as being tricycle drivers and fishermen, among others.
Seeing the significant efforts extended by their partners, Cadalay encouraged the learners to study harder and claim the success of their lives despite all odds.
“Huwag nilang gawing sagabal ang kawalan sa buhay basta kumayod at magsacrifice lang sila, lalo na na may tulong galing sa NGOs na tumutulong sa inyong mga pangangailangan,” he said.
[Do not let poverty be a hindrance, as long as they just strive and sacrifice, especially since NGOs are helping them with their needs.]
The STRIVEC program is now in the second year of implementation, and apart from the allowance, school beneficiaries also received school supplies, equipment and furniture, as well as training for teachers. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
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