Dumagat Education Program June 2018 update On May 14th some of the Dumagat Tribe came down from the village to participate and practice their right to vote in the local election. Our DEP students were very instrumental in the voting process as they were given the privilege of writing down the candidate that their illiterate parents and other family members wanted to vote for, thereby minimising the chance of the locals taking advantage of them as minorities. The Dumagat children and their families stayed with Norlie and his family and with Nelia (our DEP treasurer in the Philippines) for two days while they were voting. As well as being fed while they were there, they were sent back up the mountain with sacks of rice, sugar and groceries to share with the rest of the families in the village.
Graduation Day - March 28th 2018 Schools in the Philippines generally hold a Graduation Day at the end of the school year where they give recognition to all children who are graduating from primary to secondary school. At the same time they announce the honour students (those who are top of their class) to acknowledge their hard work for the whole year. In addition to the honour students there were four DEP pupils who are being accelerated 2/3 years ahead which is a real testament to what can be achieved when children are given the opportunity to shine.
Left: The children enjoying lunch at the Graduation Day. Above: The four accelerated students: Mayit, Sofia, Eyyan and Monica with their mothers (except one). On Friday 18th May the Lords Light Christian Fellowship church held a youth camp and the DEP sponsored eight Dumagats so they were able to join the church youth activity.
Left: A house in Bulak village. Right: The ginger crop is growing fantastically well and is being replanted this year so the Dumagats will have enough next year to sell.