"Thank you so much for the excellent assortment of books that we received from donors of GFI" says D. Evans

by Arjho Turner, GFI Director for Mindanao Outreach

The Kipalkuda Elementary School of Barangay New La Union, Maitum, Sarangani Province is one of the GFI outreach school in Mindanao. For this school year, there are 357 students enrolled and are mostly belonging to the Tboli indigenous peoples group. The GFI box sent last May 31, 2008 was turned over to the school last September 22, 2008. The turn over of books was facilitated by the Datu Wali Mission (DWM), the partner Christian non-profit organization of GFI in the project implementation. DWM is also assisting the school through its lunch and transportation program among other services provided by the ministry. DWM Director Dan Evans further extends appreciation for GFI assistance, "Thank you so much for the excellent assortment of books that we received from donors of Galing Foundation, Inc. We delivered them to Kipalkuda Elementary School yesterday. In the attached photos, you will see the head teacher, Mrs. Aurea Desaville, and a group of first grade tribal children enjoying the unpacking and first-look of the books. They were truly excited, and we are very grateful for your assistance. For many of these children, it was the first time they had ever held a book in their own hands."