The Bakwit School 2019 – 2020

For the Lumad, it takes a village to raise a child and a movement to build schools.

In most far-flung communities of indigenous people, learning is a painstaking process. For a long time, the Philippine government has abandoned its responsibility in making education accessible for Lumad communities leaving them with no option but to walk for several hours just to get to the nearest public school.

But because of their eagerness to learn and develop their rich culture and tradition, Lumad communities persevered to establish their own learning institutions and programs with the help of faith-based groups and cause-oriented organizations. Their school curriculum is grounded on their culture and way of life that reflects their deep sense of identity as Lumad.

In response to the escalating human rights violations, the Save Our Schools (SOS) Network launched last year the Lumad Bakwit School in Metro Manila as part of the campaign to highlight the issue of military attacks on Lumad schools while ensuring the continuity of the operation of Lumad community schools even in evacuation centers.

This school year, some seventy-two (72) students are again in Metro Manila, Bandam and Angel May only two among them. Follow their stories and help the Foundation for Filipino Children in amplifying their calls and advocacies!

The success of this work is only made possible through the help of people like you. This year, the fight of the Lumad for their right to education, land, and self-determination continues.

Let us all be part of the movement to build and support the Lumad Bakwit School!

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