This year marks the 10th anniversary of my first visit to Obo Elementary School in February 2015 and what a journey it has been. Who would have known that a chance encounter in the mountains would build into a strong partnership with annual visits by International Volunteers and fundraising for many initiatives to support the school communities in Barangay Obo and Sitio Cancabalong in Dalaguete, Cebu. The kids of that 2015 Kinder class are now Grade 10 in Junior High School, and so many more have benefitted from the educational materials and other supports donated to the two schools over the years by our generous sponsors.

Looking back at what we have achieved, we ran successful ‘Balik Eskwela’ (Back to School) events in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 with International Volunteers from India, Ireland, Netherlands, Singapore, Sweden and the Philippines joining us. The Covid 19 Pandemic stopped in-person events in 2020, 2021, and 2022, but we still found ways to support the schools with pandemic response Food Aid, medical assistance, and school furniture and educational supplies. We were delighted to return in 2023 with International Volunteers from Singapore raising a record amount of funds, and last year 2024 with Local Volunteers and I delivering school supplies again for Balik Eskwela.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has helped make this journey possible over the past decade with financial donations, school visits, clothing drives, and all forms of encouragement and support. We are very excited for this 10th year of exciting partnership, with a focus on fundraising for infrastructure projects, and we look forward to your continued support!

The entire Obo and Cancabalong school communities of pupils, parents, PTA, Barangay Officials, and Teachers are forever grateful for the invaluable support they have received to guide our young learners on their journey to becoming productive citizens of the world.

Look out for details coming very soon of our infrastructure projects for which we will be raising funds in 2025. We are also planning a visit for Volunteers who would like to visit the schools again or for the first time – let’s make this 10th year our biggest and best yet!

Daghang Salamat – Maraming Salamat – Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir! – Thank You

Mike Hickey – Project Coordinator – Project Ripple