100% of your contribution is used to benefit the Gumot community with the majority going to support the Gumot elementary school children and school itself in the form of you purchasing teaching materials, teaching equipment or upgrading classroom facilities such as installing ceiling fans. or providing shoes for some of the kids. Nothing goes to an overseas organising body or agent.
There are a large number of projects at the school - visit the project website - they consist of both teaching and infrastructure projects.
There is a strong need for the following teaching subjects with the children and possibly with the teachers as well :
ENGLISH
While it would be superb if you have teacher training, or are undergoing a training course, even conversational English would be hugely benefitting for the kids, seeing they are never exposed to native English speakers in the community. So even if you are not trained you can still add massive value to the kids and you will be guided by your local hosts if needed.
ART
There are no trained art teachers at the school so the kids really miss out on this superb developmental experience. There are lots of blank walls inside and outside the classrooms that would benefit from murals painted by you and the kids.
COMPUTERS
The teachers have just basic computer skills so even if you only have high-school computer skills these would be 200% more than what the teachers have so everyone will learn from you. The school has a desperate shortage of computers so your contribution could be used to purchase new computers.
A unique part of these projects is that you are the one choosing how you would like to spend the schools contribution amount and you will be the one going shopping for what is needed, after you discover what the real needs are. This way you are 100% connected to the real need and your presence adds not just an educational value from your teaching, but the kids and school will enjoy your contribution for years after you have left.
If you feel excited with our projects but do not have the funds yourself then you can fundraise in your community, or even run a crowd-funding project to raise the money. We can support you with materials including raw video so you can create your fundraising project easily.
These projects are managed and created by the Happy House Farm which is the Gumot school local project manager and international promotion partner. The Happy House Organic Farm is located just five minutes up the road from the school overlooking the Ocean. It's where you will stay during your visit and have all your needs such as cooking and accommodation met, allowing you to 100% focus on your work with the kids and the school. The farm is totally integrated into the local community so you will be a part of an amazing local experience and you will be supported fully by your hosts during your stay including project and teaching support. The farm also attracts a lot of overseas travelers so you normally will have great company with 3 or 4 other overseas people.
Here is a google map of the school location : Gumot Elementary School location. Switch to satellite view else you will not see anything! The school is in a beautiful rural area with few roads but is only 10 minutes tricycle ride to the national highway and 30 minutes ride to the local town of Rosario. Baguio City is just 1 1/2 hours away and Manila is 5 - 6 hours south (your entry point tot he country unless you fly into Clark in Angelese City - 2 hours north of Manila).
If you are under 18 then you will need to come with an adult supervisor that is over 21. We welcome families running projects together.
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