Several years ago, the Social Technology Bureau (STB) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducted research on an indigenous group of people, the Sama-Bajau. The study found intergenerational low educational attainment among the Sama-Bajau. It also discovered a high incidence of mortality among children under 5 years old, and a high case of malnutrition among children 4 years old and below.
Based on these findings, the STB conceptualized a project: Sama-Bajau Localized Intervention and Learning Approach for Holistic Improvement (SaLInLAHI). In this article, we will discuss what this project is all about, and how it aims to help the Sama-Bajau.
Image Credit: DSWD Field Office 3 – Central Luzon / Facebook
What is SaLInLAHI Project?
As the name says, SaLInLAHI is a community-based project that is focused on the learning and development of Sama-Bajau children, aged 0-4 years old. Through culture-based early childhood care and development (ECCD) services, this project seeks to ensure and sustain the protection and promotion of the rights and well-being of poor Sama-Bajau children.
The project has two main legal bases. First, there’s the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Article 14 states that indigenous peoples should have the freedom to identify their educational needs, priorities, curriculum, and materials. Teacher training should also be planned and carried out together with the active participation of the people group.
Secondly, there’s Republic Act 8371 or the “Indigenous Peoples Rights Act.” The act mentions that “the state shall recognize the strong expression of the indigenous peoples for cultural integrity by assuring maximum participation in the direction of education, health, as well as other services.”
Objectives of the Project
The SaLInLAHI project aims to achieve the following:
- Provide age-appropriate and culture-based learning sessions for Sama-Bajau children aged 3-4 years old, and prepare them for regular education;
- Strengthen paternal, maternal, and child care education to prevent maternal and child mortality among the Sama-Bajau; and
- Strengthen the support of families and indigenous leaders for the protection of children aged 0-4 years old.
Target Beneficiaries
The target beneficiaries of the SaLInLAHI project include:
- Sama-Bajau children aged 0-4 years old in ethnic or cultural communities; and
- Parents of Sama-Bajau children.
Components of the Program
The SaLInLAHI project has three major components, as follows:
1. Culture-based Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Sessions
These sessions are grounded on indigenous knowledge, systems, and practices of the Sama-Bajau. These are appropriate and adaptable to the growth and formation of children 0-4 years old.
2. Empowering Learning Sessions for the Indigenous Peoples Initiatives (ELIPI)
These sessions are intended for the parents of Sama-Bajau students enrolled in the ECCD sessions. The activity seeks to promote active participation in the community development process and preservation of cultural heritage.
3. Organization of Sama-Bajau Volunteers
This involves the organization and mobilization of Sama-Bajaus through the ELIPI, with the aim of becoming partners in advocacy campaign and project implementation.
Pilot Areas
The pilot areas of the SaLInLAHI project include parts of Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija (Region III) and parts of Metro Manila, Parañaque City, and Taguig City (National Capital Region).
Here are some major results after the pilot implementation:
- A total of 315 or more than 70% of Sama-Bajau children in Cabanatuan, Metro Manila, Taguig, and Parañaque participated in ECCD sessions by the end of 2015.
- 21 story books were written and illustrated by Sama-Bajau parents and youth familiar to the Sama-Bajau children.
- Majority or 90% of the Sama-Bajau parents whose children are enrolled in the ECCD sessions supported the project by attending the community assembly and serving as community volunteers.
- There was only 1% drop-out among ECCD students. Among the 315 children, only two (2) dropped out.
- Majority or 95% of the Sama-Bajau children who participated have continued to primary school.
- Majority or 98% of Sama-Bajau children beneficiaries have increased to at least 3 kilos after undergoing health and food supplementary services.
Video: About the Sama-Bajau
Every year, huge numbers of Sama-Bajau families travel from Mindanao to Manila, especially during the Christmas season. Many of them dwell in the city streets, hoping (i.e. begging) to receive help. Check out this video shared by Manila Bulletin Online YouTube channel to learn more about them:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some frequently asked questions about the SaLInLAHI project:
1. What is SaLInLAHI Project?
SaLInLAHI stands for Sama-Bajau Localized Intervention and Learning Approach for Holistic Improvement. It is a community-based project focusing on the learning and development of Sama-Bajau children, 0-4 years old.
2. What are its objectives?
The objectives of the project are: (a) to provide age-appropriate and culture-based learning sessions for Sama-Bajau children aged 3-4 years old; (b) to strengthen paternal, maternal, and child care education to prevent maternal and child mortality among the Sama-Bajau; and (c) to strengthen the support of families and indigenous leaders for the protection of children aged 0-4 years old.
3. Who are its target beneficiaries?
The target beneficiaries of the project are: (a) Sama-Bajau children aged 0-4 years old in ethnic or cultural communities; and (b) parents of the Sama-Bajau children.
4. What are its components?
The major components of the project include: (a) culture-based Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) sessions; (b) Empowering Learning Sessions for the Indigenous Peoples Initiatives (ELIPI); and (c) organization of Sama-Bajau volunteers.
5. How can I learn more about it?
To learn more about the project, you can get in touch with the nearest DSWD office and its Social Technology Unit (STU).
Contact Information: Social Technology Bureau
If you have any questions or concerns about the SaLInLAHI project, you can get in touch with the Social Technology Bureau (STB), which is situated at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City. Its office hours are between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Address: Social Technology Bureau, 3rd Floor, Matapat Building, Department of Social Welfare and Development – Central Office, IBP Road, Constitution Hills, Batasan Complex, Quezon City
Telephone: +632 8951 7124 / 8951 2802 / 8931 8144
Email: soctech@dswd.gov.ph
Website: https://stb.dswd.gov.ph/
Google Map:
Infographic About Project
Meanwhile, here is an infographic about the SaLInLAHI project:
Final Thoughts
Today, the DSWD continues to implement projects such as the SaLInLAHI for the Sama-Bajau and other indigenous people groups. The great thing about these projects is that they consider the local culture of the people groups as an important factor in developing various programs, projects, and services.
Meanwhile, another community-based initiative of the DSWD is the SHIELD project. Do visit this link to read all about it!