Groups raise funds to support Aeta students to buy 150 tablets

Learners from an aeta community in Porac, Pampanga is the choosen beneficiary of Peace Kamp, the Bangketa Eskwela Foundation, and other non-government organizations for their earned funds. The groups have been collecting funds since early September hoping to buy 150 tablets to aid the aeta learners of the distance/blended learning.

Photo credit: dentistryforeveryvillagefoundation.com

According to Nico Waje’s report on “Stand for Truth,” the objective of the groups is to ensure that no Aeta will be left behind as the country transitions to blended learning amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Hindi nating papayagan na sila ay maging beggars on their own land. Dapat kung ano’ng opportunities ang available sa mga unat… dapat ‘yung opportunity ay maibigay din natin sa kanila,

Peace Kamp founder Samuel Sagun said.

[We won't allow that they'll become beggars on their own land. Whatever opportunities given to others must also be given to them.]

The Peace Kamp also set up a learning center where a strong internet connection is available, it is the area where online classes may be held for the children.

The organization and the Bangketa Eskwela Foundation also created modules for a separate online learning program to give the students, even older ones, additional lessons.

Alam ko malaking help ‘to para sa kanila. Lalo na ngayon na online class and kailangan talaga nila ng malaking adjustment and kailangan nila matutunan ito para hindi sila, parang katulad ng iba na mapagiwanan din,

Dara Tuazon, a volunteer teacher said.

[I know this is a big help for them especially now that we conduct classes online, they need to deal with big adjustments and they need to learn for them not to be left behind.]

Though the program has started, they only have 10 tablets, so three students have to share one.

Sana bukas makalawa, bawat isang katutubong Aeta may kanya kanya na silang tig-isang tablet. Dahil hindi natin papayagan na ‘yung pangarap ng bawat katutubong Aeta ay hindi nila maabot dahil kulang ‘yung opportunity na binibigay sa kanila ng society, 

Sagun said.

[We are hoping that each aeta will have there own tablet. We won't allow that they won't be able to reach their dreams because they weren't given the opportunity by the society.]

Those interested to help may deposit their donation in the following bank accounts:

• Dora Mae Tuazon (Gcash) — 09754351211
• Bangketa Eskwela Foundation (BDO) — 5630475682
• Eastwest Bank Account — 200040323235