Badjao children in Samal get school supplies from Claretians

Badjao children in Samal, Davao del Norte are getting a boost in their studies as a religious group provides them with backpacks and school supplies.

The Claret Samal Foundation Inc.(CSFI) launched Operation Backpack that has so far provided 374 students in Claretian-run schools with backpacks with school supplies.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines news site quoted Bro. Nicer Natulla, who is in charge of the project, as saying he did not expect such generosity from donors of the program.


^{CSFI photo}

He said several donors donated cash, backpacks, and school supplies for the children.

CSFI takes care of the five preparatory schools in Badjao communities in Basilan. It has 134 pupils from nursery to kindergarten.

Also, the CSFI is sponsoring the education of 181 elementary pupils in various schools.

The foundation has been helping the Badjaos of Basilan for more than 20 years and has been helping them live a better life through education.

After Operation Backpack, Natulla said CSFI is eyeing a feeding program as it noted most of the children are malnourished.

“(W)e will also look for ways to provide them with slippers and toiletries to promote good hygiene,” he said. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News