Sites: Camiguin Island, Philippines

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Duke Sophmore and 2009 Philippines Intern, Morgan Carney, blogs about teaching English and integrating into daily life at Mapa School. Read about her experiences.

Location: Camiguin Island, Philippines

Facility: Mapa School and Farm

Organizational Affiliation: Family to Family, Inc.

Site Preceptors: Tom and Diane Palmeri, School Directors

Background: Family to Family, Inc. has been working in the Philippines to address the challenges of poverty and malnutrition since 1975. On Camiguin Island, where Family to Family now operates, they provide school sponsorship to 300 children in 10 public elementary schools and are attempting to identify, diagnose, and assist every child with a physical handicap with hundreds already helped. In their largest project so far, they opened an elementary level boarding school and farm on 10 acres of land in the hills for destitute children. The elementary school maintains six grades, consisting of over 80 children and adolescents, ranging in age from 9 to 25 years. The majority of children at Family to Family have never previously attended school and many are missing one or both parents. Deaf children, ostracized in their previous communities, are being taught a regular curriculum in sign language.

Volunteer Opportunities: The Hubert-Yeargan Center is collaborating with Family to Family, Inc. to provide an ESL and Cultural Immersion Internship at the Mapa School and Farm. Duke undergraduate students and graduates are welcome to apply for summer or year-long internships.

Under the supervision of the Directors of Mapa School and Farm, student volunteers tutor Mapa teachers in basic English skills. Although English is an official language in the Philippines, Mapa teachers are eager to improve their English skills. Interns may also assist, teach, and tutor students in math, English, and computer skills. The interns also contribute by organizing extracurricular activities for the school children. Special skills in music, sign language, and gardening or farming are welcome. The internship may be geared to the qualifications and skills of the student. Duke interns live at the boarding school with the other teachers.