Literacy Support

Literacy Program for Children in Conflict-Affected Areas (LPC) This is VoM’s newest/youngest program, and the most challenging owing to the lack of financial resources and the caution for security of VoM volunteers who conduct the literacy classes. The LPC began in July 2013 in Sangkahan Village in Kakuyangan Island, Albarka, Basilan. There are about 22 school children and 14 teens who initially attended the class, however, this has not pursued due to the armed conflict in Zamboanga City in September 2013. The Philippine Army has not been responsive to support this due to the heavy presence of the armed rebels in neighboring areas and the beheading of soldiers prior to 2013. The second project site is in Lunggang, Maimbung, in Sulu. Lunggang’s only school was burned down by the Abu Sayyaf Group years ago, and the Baranggay Local Government Unit has been doing efforts to put up at least a Day Care Center. The 2nd Marine Battalion has donated plastic tables and chairs for the children, as well as one tent, and VoM provided learning modules and some school supplies and used books that have been solicited from elementary school children from Ferndale International School and Montessori de Zamboanga in Zamboanga City, and from Children International in the United States. The Literacy Program in Lunggang Project will start in early July, with some volunteer youth teachers coming from VoM coordinators from Jolo, and the 2nd Marine Battalion providing security to the VoM volunteers. Literacy modules in Tausug have been prepared by Ms. Maria Frencie Carreon, Ms. Fatima Alyza Undug, Ms. Nurhama Kahal, Ms. Elina Sahibil, and Ms. Jernahal Sahibil. Literacy modules in Sama Banguingi have been prepared by Ms. M. F. Carreon and Ms. Darwisa Bulong, with Mr. Valentin Bacani, and Ms. Nesra Abdulmajid.