Field Trip

Oct 29. we took 50 elementary age kids from Pakak on a field trip to the park about 15 miles away.

we were 66 people jammed into 2 vehicles. the children dressed in their best clothes. rode in the jeepney for about 1 hour and when they arrived at the park, their eyes lit up. for the next 4 hours they climbed, slid, swang, ran, laughed, and had snacks.

the children talked about the field trip to the park for weeks to come.

in the villages of Kalinga, a major problem is that many of the children (especially boys), drop out of school after the first grade. many would rather play marbles than attend class. education, for many families is not a priority as most of the families are farmers and don't see a life other than farming. Some families can't afford the school supplies and the children are too embarrassed to attend class due to lack of supplies or worn, tattered clothes. some of the children that try to go back to school get teased if they are older and eventually quit because they are too far behind.

we hope to be able to work with the children of pakak to keep them interested with school and give incentives for children who stay in school (like this field trip to the park).