The Rotary Club of Lloydminster got an update on its school project in the Philippines from Sydney Palmer during the May 5 meeting.
The club supported a two-room classroom build in a remote mountain area, with a budget of $60,000 US. The project was in partnership with a Rotary club in the Philippines.
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“When we started, we did our homework. The school unit and teacher of the school unit figured 75 would be lots,” said Palmer. “But when the school opened, it served 125 children.”
Palmer explained parents in the community donated labour to help with construction.
“If you come to work at the school that day, we feed you well,” he said.
Palmer also shared how the school became more than just a classroom, noting it’s different then most schools in North America.
“A school is a community facility. They might have a wedding there, they might have a funeral there, they might have school,” he said.
Reaching the site was not easy.
“The last three and half kilometres, you have to go by motorbike because you cannot get a road up there,” said Palmer. “All the supplies had to be carried manually.”
The school also faced natural challenges after a nearby volcano forced the school to temporarily close.
“It was shut down for health reasons only … but the dust is now settled. Children are back in school,” said Palmer.
The project included more than just a building as Rotary fully equipped the school for the first round of students.
They expect the school to keep that going. When they get the new Grade 1 students, they hope to provide them with essential school supplies.
Palmer also talked about the impact on the students.
“These kids stood back and couldn’t believe it because they never had one,” he said when talking about handing out backpacks and supplies.
The Rotary Club also installed computers and internet at the school.
“We had enough left over to buy a computer system, so we put in four computers,” said Palmer. “Internet was there … they got the satellites.”
Palmer also plans to help reward students.
“We’re gonna donate a 1,000 pesos, which is only $25, so each school would get 4,000 pesos and we’re gonna pay for four students,” he said.
Palmer closed by thanking the Lloydminster club.
“I just wanted to thank you. It’s in transition and I think you guys are doing a great job supporting the schools,” he said. “We just need to put a five-year plan in place going forward for what’s next.”
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