Cartwheel Foundation

Programs for Education Construction and Operation of Pre-Schools To provide a place for learning for indigenous children ages 2.5 to 7 in preparation for elementary. This is to ensure a proper learning environment that will develop children into life-long learners capable of being self-sufficient in the future. Sta. Teresita Pre-School (2 classrooms) constructed in September 2001. Provides a learning environment for at least 40 students annually. Sitio Abel Pre-School (2 makeshift classrooms)constructed in April 2001. Provides a learning environment for at least 30 students annually.
Teacher Training - To teach beginning reading, writing, numeracy skills; To provide a venue for deepening the internalization of tribal culture and traditions to ensure their preservation. The Sta Teresita and Sitio Abel schools have, since school year 1999-2000, graduated almost 200 pre-shoolers who are now in elementary and excelling. Our first graduates are now in their last years in grade school and will be entering high school soon. Scholarship Grants - To provide education subsidy and support for pre-school, high school, college and adult students; providing opportunities for further studies is strengthening the critical mass of leaders needed to effect significant improvements and developments in the community. Dharvy Jumamoy, former Cartwheel scholar now teaching in the Parochial High School. photo by Alex Felipe We started with 15 scholars in 1999 and now have 25 scholars in college. Our college scholars attend universities in Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro and Ifugao. Our first two graduates are currently teaching in their communities – one in adult education, the other in the parochial high school.
	Adult Literacy Classes - To provide basic and functional literacy & supplementary health & nutrition knowledge to indigenous adults in order to assist them in becoming active participants in the development of their community. Since 2002, 56 adults have graduated from the fist modular course. From the first batch of graduates emerged an adult para-teacher who now co-conducts classes for 40 students. Elementary Education certification classes began January 2004 for 27 farmers
Cultural Heritage Preservation - To document indigenous culture and traditions/keep it alive through integration into school curricula and celebrating customs and traditions. In 2003, Cultural Center of the Philippines representatives and their researchers visited the area to interview village elders, leaders and youth regarding Tala-andig dances, music, clothing, epics, rituals. The collected data was used for a workshop co-conducted by CCP experts and Miarayon leaders and students to begin the integration of Tala-andig culture and practices in the schools' curricula. All musical instruments made, costumes, and Talandig art gathered will be house in the Tala-andig Cultural Heritage Center that is to be built. The Tala-andig Cultural Heritage Center is being developed and established by the Miarayon Lapok Lirongan Tala-andig Tribal Association (MILALITRA) together with Cartwheel. It will be the seat of governance and education for the Miarayon Tala-andig community. It will be used for traditional tribal celebrations and rituals for the community’s datus, elders and families. It will also hold the community’s collection of literature, books, instruments, costumes, livelihood, products and artworks. It will be a gathering place for the community to grow in knowledge and appreciation of their own resources and culture.	photo by Alfian Noor
Supplementary Programs Medical/Dental - To provide medical and dental attention to children and adults in project areas; to provide some medication especially vitamins and common meds for curable ailments. Cartwheel's goal is to coordinate missions with doctors, medical personnel from Mindanao and pharmaceutical companies in Metro Manila The first medical mission was held March 2002 where 100+ children were treated by a doctor a nd his volunteer assistants. A dental mission is scheduled in October 2003. Nutrition - To provide children with supplements to their dietary needs; help them reach their age-appropriate weight; and administer deworming. Many malnourished children in the area cannot cope with school demands due to lack of brain development. This program specifically targets Sitio Abel children, perceived to have the most severe health and nutrition conditions in the Miarayon region Organizational Assistance - In October of 2002, the processing of land titles for farmers, was undertaken by the Foundation with its government and non-government partners. In October 2003, Miarayon was declared an ancestral land domain where the Tala-andig farmers received legitimate titles to their ancestral land. Art Workshops - Children from different indigenous communities are provided with skills and tools to express themselves through visual art. Read More.. Volunteer Program To connect with committed individuals and communities; to journey and learn from each other; to build a base of advocates for the poor, especially for indigenous children. Program for Cartwheel's Sustainability To build an endowment fund or enterprise that can plough back profits into the programs and ensure their sustainability.