March 2009


For the past decade, the number of cancer patients across Asia have increased tremendously. Due to the expense and lack of proper medication and treatment; lives are easily lost among many financially challenged victims. This concern is now being addressed by AAI and our American and Philipppine partners, with logistical assistance from the Philippine Marine Corps. Other supporting organizations include International Relief and Development, MEDPHARM, Inc. and Brothers Brother Foundation.
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December 2008
In November and December 2008, Asia America Initiative joined a small but determined consortium of international, national and local organizations and government agencies in Central Mindanao, Philippines to provide humanitarian support to calm brutalized communities and deter the threat of civil war between Muslim and Christian neighbors. The emergency action followed a series of merciless attacks and counter-attacks that caused more than 600,000 people to become homeless. AAI Country Director Ms. Rohaniza Sumndad organized refugee relief efforts implemented by AAI Catalyst for Peace college student volunteers. In addition, AAI conducted “Family Fun Days” to bring Hope into the lives of child victims of war, and organized and participated in trauma counseling in refugee camps and surrounding towns with Christian and Muslim clergy, psychologists, social workers and community leaders.

In Washington and in Manila, AAI President Albert Santoli raised support for a number of projects or “small miracles” including a Cancer Treatment Program for the Poor, to bring hope to the least fortunate in the Christian north, as well as in the Muslim south of the Philippines. A Gardens of Peace program was created by AAI to counter malnutrition and food shortages. The program’s goal, utilizing 2.3 million donated packets of American vegetable seeds is to transform war zones into life-saving agricultural centers. In addition, in the severely impoverished and violence-torn Sulu archipelago, AAI is working with community leaders and educators to escalate the Development for Peace project with integrated education with livelihood training. One "small miracle" is Don Jose Godinez Elementary School in Jolo [See lead photo.] The children and teachers at this impoverished institution are among AAI's "small miracles." In 2005, when AAI adopted this school, community schools were on the edge of a decades long war zone, resulting in overcrowded classrooms that lacked books. At the time, AAI had no disposable funds to add new schools to the Model of Excellence Schools program. However, the heart of AAI Director Santoli was touched on that first surprise encounter. More than 1,000 students and their parents -- whose average family salary is $1 per day -- silently waited all day in the hot sun for his unscheduled visit that was organized by the Superintendent of Schools. Today, thanks to the strong support of teachers and parents, Godinez Elementary has surpassed all expectations in national testing and is ranked the Number One academic performer in their region. This is despite the fact that some classrooms are bamboo shacks with mud floors, and classrooms are overcrowded, seating 85 students. The rooms lack lighting, sanitation and adequate study materials. AAI is doing everything possible to help improve conditions at Godinez. However with over 20,000 more students in the Jolo area and no governmental funding, AAI and the students need your support.
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November 2008 | September 2008 | August 2008 | May 2008 | November 2007 | August 2007 | July 2007 | March 2007 | June 2006 | January 2006 | October 2005 | June 2005 | April 2005 | February 2005 | December 2004 | September 2004 | June 2004 | March 2004 | December 2003 | May 2003 | December 2002 | August 2002