Child Sponsorship
Our Programs
In the Philippines
Child Sponsorship
IAT's Sponsorship Program, since its beginning in 1980, has focused on assisting orphans and the poorest of the poor - those whose parents or guardian's major concern is, "How am I going to feed my children tomorrow?"
IAT's focus is upon a holistic and sustainable approach to development and Youth empowerment. As a result IAT now has young program graduates in more than 50 villages in several areas of the Philippines.
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Our programs have, so far, produced a number of skilled technicians as well as the following professionals: teachers, nurses, midwives, medical technicians, accountants, college professors, agriculturalists, foresters, lawyers, and
one doctor.
Community Development
Following an earthquake in the early 80's that destroyed their gravity fed irrigation systems, many tribes people from the remote mountain villages emigrated to Tabuk, a frontier area in the northern Philippines. In order to assist then to adapt to different farming practices, IAT developed a 40 acre experimental/demonstration farm.
In addition to growing and experimenting with several varieties of indigenous and non-indigenous rice, many different vegetables were grown to demonstrate back-yard gardening techniques. Composting and mushroom production were introduced and thousands of quality fruit and forest seedlings for free disbursal to local farmers, schools and community groups were produced. Its eight fish ponds provided protein for children under IAT's program and Tilapia fingerlings for distribution.
The facilities also offered earning and learning opportunities for high school and college students while serving as a venue for farmers and students to learn organic gardening and ecologically sound farming techniques. Proceeds from farm production went towards feeding the children under its sponsorship program and sustaining IAT's aid projects.
IAT has been effectively implementing community development and youth empowerment programs in the Philippines since 1979 and has forged strong linkages with other Non government organizations such as the ASSISI Foundation, Heifer International, Cordillera People's Alliance, Children's Foundation of the Philippines, as well as several Indigenous peoples' groups.
Youth Development and Training
IAT offers Youth Empowerment seminars and workshops to students under its sponsorship program as well as to out-of-school-youth and other children from the surrounding communities. These seminars help young people to develop their confidence, gain competence, build practical skills and leadership abilities.
Through its summer literacy program, IAT provides opportunities for teams of senior students to travel to remote villages to conduct literacy classes and village theatre as a way of raising awareness regarding issues that affect the communities.
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Such practical experiences serve to build planning, budgeting, organizing, conflict resolution, communication and other skills among the participants, while instilling a sense of community service. Hundreds of program graduates are now back in their respective villages taking leadership roles in creating positive change. Program graduates are making a difference in Ifugao, Mountain Province, Zambales, Mindoro, Kalinga, Abra, Fuga Island and several squatter areas in and around Manila.
IAT's Montessori-Based Preschool and Elementary Program
In 1999 IAT assisted a small Montessori school in Legazpi City to provide quality preschool education to underprivileged children. That same year, IAT launched a pilot daycare program for tribal children in the frontier village of Nambaran, in Kalinga Province. The following year the daycare was transferred to the lower section of IAT's Children's Center in Tabuk, Kalinga's provincial capital.
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This Montessori preschool started with a handful of children and one teacher and has since been expanded to include grade six and 200 children. Thanks to support from the Quadra Island community in BC and Sisler High School in Winnipeg, the Montessori daycare program has expanded to include several small day cares in remote Kalinga villages.
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Other Programs
In Canada
IAT's Canadian Program bridges the gap between developed and underdeveloped countries by connecting Canadian Students and teachers with those in the Philippines. Youth committed to making positive change are provided with opportunities to take part in IAT's projects abroad.
IAT's Global Education Program
Many young volunteers, over the years, have traveled to the Philippines to take part in IAT's projects. Several co-op students from the University of Victoria and Simon Fraser University have volunteered to work with IAT's programs. They conducted and documented their research on various aspects of the Kalinga tribes people. Students with various talents and skills and an adventurous spirit are always welcome.
Opportunities are available for student groups, as well as individuals, to visit and take part in IAT’s Philippines program as well as gain cultural and practical experience.