Hi all! My name is Ayanna Letcher and this July I will be volunteering with SERVE in Cebu, The Philippines. I’ve always put my best foot forward to make a difference. I hope this volunteer work will pave a better path for the Badjao Community who aren’t as fortunate as us. I hope to carry the knowledge I gain from this experience, with me back home to Ireland where I want to further educate people on issues within developing countries.

THE BADJAO COMMUNITY

We will be working alongside the Presentation sisters to support the Badjao community.

The Badjao community are an isolated and marginalised Filipino group who are affected by a lack of access to basic human rights. They are considered 2nd/3rd class Filipino citizens and are often disregarded and ignored by the government.

Our goal is to educate and integrate the Badjao community, allowing the group to uphold their rights while preserving their culture and maintaining their dignity. The work we will need to do to achieve this goal consists of a transfer of skills, workshops and educational support including: English, digital literacy, sexual health, hygiene and sustainability. In addition to this, we will organise recreational activities such as sports, music, arts and crafts.

SERVE AND THEIR WORK IN THE PHILIPPINES

SERVE is a registered charity with an objective to relieve third world poverty and believes that local empowerment and partnership enables the best use of funding.

SERVE’s first international volunteering project was in Cebu with the Presentation sisters in 2005. Since then, between 2011 and 2017 with help from other Irish partners, €210,600 has been raised for the Badjao tribe. This funding has gone towards improved housing, education facilities and resources, medical care and community development.

More recently, during the COVID pandemic in 2020, the Badjao tribe was ignored in the government's response. SERVE stepped up and provided €7,500 in emergency funding. This funding went towards food supplies, PPE, sanitiser and medical supplies.

FUNDING

Your contribution will help me to be a part of this incredible cause and help improve the lives of the Badjao people.

The €3,495 fundraising goal covers: Pre-departure training, insurance, accommodation, flights, a de-brief weekend and most importantly grants for work with our overseas partners.

*It must be noted that all funding must be approved and is continually monitored through reports (available on SERVE’s website) to ensure resources provided are being used efficiently & effectively.