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Asia America Initiative is a 501c3 nonprofit supported solely through private contributions.
We do not receive government funding.
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Contact Details
Washington DC Office
1523 16th St., NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
Telephone 202.232.7020
Fax 202.232.7023
administrator
@asiaamerica.org
Map of DC Office
Get directions
ADSJ Building Unit C
Finlandia corner Galvani Street
Barangay San Isidro, Makati City 12345
Philippines
Telephone (632) 816.3305
Fax (632) 816.2613
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PEACE CARAVAN BUILDS BRIDGES
 On June 1, 2010, in Manila, Philippines while religious conflict continued in neighboring regions, Asia America Initiative’s Peace Caravan program brought together local children and college students known as “Catalysts for Peace.” The Caravan’s participants come from opposite spectrums of a society torn apart by ethnic and religious divide. Their mission is to bridge barriers within a fragmented and violently divided culture. The Catalysts from the Catholic Assumption College in the upscale Makati neighborhood joined Asia America Initiative to hold a Kiddie Fun Day event in the impoverished, isolated and predominantly Muslim Maharlika community. Conducted on the grounds of the Blue Mosque, the Fun Day was attended by more than 100 elementary school children. Many of them were from “squatter” families who live in makeshift shacks after fleeing religious violence in the Mindanao region. During the 4 hour event, fear and apprehension were transformed by games, storybook reading, songs and laughter. Parents and even clergy from the mosque joined in the fun. For less than $1 per child for snacks, toys and educational supplies, the Kiddie Fun Day ended with enthusiastic requests for return programs.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PEACE CARAVAN PHOTO GALLERY
JOURNEY FOR PEACE
 The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,000 islands divided by cultural and religious affiliations. Inter-cultural rivalries have created discrimination, disenfranchisement, poverty and armed conflict. Muslim Mindanao region is known to many as a war zone and a land consumed by chaos. The key to breaking cycles of violence is in proper education, including trauma counseling for the youth and interaction between children of various Faiths.
Throughout 2009, AAI’s “Journey to Peace” has been bringing together hundreds of Christian and Muslim students for the first time in their lives. This inter-faith dialogue instills lifelong values of respect for human rights, inter-religious understanding and appreciation of people of every religion and culture. 
Using public schools as venues, we create a safe environment for children who come from the “best” and the “worst” private and public schools in Manila, ranging from 2nd grade to early College students.
Sharing personal or group experiences, they become compassionate role models to heal and unite the nation.
And an example for similar communities in many areas of the world.
AAI’s Peace Caravans are supported by the Bishops and Ulema Conference, the Philippine Armed Forces, Ayala Young Leaders Alliance, the Education Alliance, Center for Moderate Islam, Skills and Livelihood Alliance, Young Moro Professionals Network, Youth Alliance Philippines, Peace Talks Philippines, REFUGE, Starfish Magazine, EDSA [Catholic] Shrine, AAI Catalysts for Peace, the National Youth Commission, Haven Crest Media, Assumption College and the Philippine Department of Education.
Your donation of any size can make a difference in AAI's peace building programs. Learn More OR Thanks, Al Santoli | |
Unity of Action Saves Typhoon Victims
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(JAY DIRECTO/AFP/Getty Images) Responding to the need for immediate action to combat diseases brought by the floodwaters of Typhoon Ondoy (international codename: Ketsana) and Typhoon Pepeng (international codename: Parma), Asia America Initiative (AAI), a private NGO, working with fellow nonprofit AmeriCares and corporate partners delivered emergency medical supplies to the Philippines. These were distributed with partner government agencies and NGOs to evacuation centers all over Metro Manila. See Photos of Devastation and Relief OR Read the Full Story |
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World Food Crisis
The mounting impact of global food shortages poses a growing human and international security threat to the lives of millions of vulnerable families across the world. This natural and man-made crisis could jeopardize political stability and increase the threat of armed conflict for entire regions. United Nations agencies warn that international contributions for food security have declined dramatically due to climate change and the worldwide financial crisis, while government safety nets for the poor are insufficient or non-existent in 80 percent of all nations. Read the Full Story |
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 Ms. Rohaniza Sumndad, AAI, visiting infant undergoing chemotherapy |
Cancer Treatment for the Poor
In May 2009 a working visit by Asia America Initiative was conducted in Manila to expand the first Cancer Treatment for the Poor Program in Asia. The life saving partnership involves Albert Santoli and Rohaniza Sumndad of AAI, General Ben Dolorfino Commandant of the Philippines Marine Corps, with medicines and expertise provided by Thomas Roane of the US-based National Cancer Coalition and Dr. Thomas Hogn of the HFK Krebsallianz of Germany. Scores of cancer patients who otherwise would not have access to medication are now being treated by oncologists in respected hospitals. Local leaders include the Philippine Cancer Society and the Philippine Cancer Institute Foundation. The Program brings together international organizations and pharmaceutical corporations with local medical centers to provide specialized treatment for cancer victims of all ages.
Gallery |
| Video: Refugee Relief & Peace Building |
AAI Areas of Involvement |
