Supporting Students in Siquijor during Covid

Siquijor is a beautiful island in the Philippines where my mother's family have lived for generations. It is not the easiest place to access which means its beaches, waterfalls and forests remain largely pristine.  This isolation, however, has meant that when Covid struck, students of all ages on the island could not access their school curriculum in full. Most students have nothing more than a phone to access remote learning. They download their school materials then print them in town, paying transport and printing fees. Moreover, the internet stops working when there is a typhoon or simply when it rains, which means access to printed school content becomes even more important. 

Currently, my cousins aren't able to access their online classes easily due to unstable internet. When the weather is bad, the internet goes. This means they haven't accessed their curriculum in full for almost a year.

It is not just my family, but the whole village and the whole island, particularly those in the most isolated, mountainous areas.

What can be done?

We can start with one thing : a printer. 

Let's buy a printer for the students of Siquijor so they can access their schoolwork.

Let's start with one.

The printer will be placed at my aunt's house which is central to 300+ families and where many students currently go to access the stronger internet reception. My aunt is someone we trust deeply to ensure the printer is used for students in need. 

Specifically, we are looking to buy:

- One HP Smart Tank 615 @php11, 990

- 10 reamsA4 paper@php180 each = 1,800

- 1 set ink refill @php720

For a total php14,520 current rate as of
today as per Ria transfers is 36.30 = AU$ 400.00 

We are adding $50 for any gofundraiseme and transfer fees. Any leftover funds will be used to buy more paper. 

We will buy before 4th January when my cousin will personally transport the printer from Cebu to the island.

We chose a mid range printer for now as it is unclear when classes will recommence at full capacity.

Even beyond covid, the printer can help over 300 families in the local village with their ongoing school work.

Finally, I'd like to bring attention to the mental health impact covid has had on students. They have had very little support from council or the universities. Several students on the island have died by suicide. This is a modern day injustice that we want to and can do a small thing to alleviate.

Any donation, big or small, is very much appreciated.

Thank you
Love
Vanessa