Community spirit thriving in Kalinga elementary school via charitable gift exchanges
In the heart of Kalinga, Northern Luzon, a significant community project is underway, aiming to bridge the gap between local and global values through Global Citizenship Education (GCE) [1]. This initiative, which took place on August 5, 20xx, saw the participation of a mission member who joined the flag-raising ceremony at Uma Elementary School, a remote indigenous peoples' (IP) community school tucked amidst the rice terraces of Upper Uma [2].
The mission's objective was to provide rain weather gear, beanies, and hygiene packs to all 126 children of Uma Elementary School. To make this possible, the supplies were transported and stored with the help of residents of Magmag-an and the applicant's siblings in Tabuk, Kalinga. The learners and teachers of the school, along with their families, carried the goods to the school, with the children serving as scouts to ensure a safe journey across the tricky footpath [3].
The children were eager to receive the gifts during the distribution. The day was filled with joy and excitement as the children received their new rain gear and beanies. The school also prepared a simple program for the visit, which included a storytelling session where the participant shared a story from their latest book, Ay-ay, Suwan [6]. The children enjoyed the session, and copies of the published books were donated to the school.
The project was a collaborative effort, involving individuals from around the world, as well as local residents of Kalinga. The aim is to publish around 18 or 20 of these stories in a collected volume by the last quarter of 2025 [7]. Moreover, an initiative to preserve and promote Kalinga literature was discussed after the gift-giving.
While specific details on local literature preservation projects in Kalinga are limited in the search results, community education projects like the Maleta Library, though not explicitly stated to be in Kalinga, show similar efforts in Gawad Kalinga areas to promote literacy and access to books for children [3]. Other Philippine community projects, such as digital learning expansions, demonstrate blended approaches to improve educational access, which may be applicable to Kalinga [4].
Through this project, the children of Uma Elementary School not only received essential supplies but also gained a sense of cultural awareness and the importance of education. Their daily journey of trekking a three-kilometer distance across a mountain to reach the school, regardless of weather or pathway conditions, is a testament to their determination and resilience. This project serves as a shining example of the power of community collaboration and the impact it can have on the lives of children in remote areas.
[1] Global Citizenship Education (GCE) in Kalinga, Philippines [2] Uma Elementary School in Kalinga, Philippines [3] Maleta Library: Promoting Literacy in Gawad Kalinga Areas [4] Digital Learning Expansions in Philippine Community Projects [6] Ay-ay, Suwan by Participant [7] Planned Publication of Stories from Kalinga Project
The Global Citizenship Education (GCE) project in Kalinga not only provided essential supplies like rain gear and beanies to the children of Uma Elementary School but also aimed to bridge the gap between local and global values. This initiative has inspired discussions about home-and-garden projects, such as the preservation and promotion of local literature in Kalinga, which can contribute to enhancing the overall lifestyle of the community.
