Kari Eide, EVACF volunteer from Norway, accompanied the Stolt-Nielsen Transportation Group on a visit to Viking-St Andrews Schools' compound at Sitio Alunan, Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac. This was the third visit to the school and was co-ordinated by the company's Family Affairs Co-ordinator, Angelyn A Alabastro. The Viking school was burned in a storm two months ago and every effort is being made to seek funds to rebuild the upper section. The foundations and basewalls arestill viable. Anyone wishing to donate Please click here.

March 26th, 27th and 28th,2008 we hosting the 3rd gathering of Towards Happy TOE²S, a "Towards Happy TOE²S CAPABILITY BUILDING" EVENT. A 3 day, 2 night gathering of the main players involved in maintenance and proper use of TOE2S [Traditional Origin Ethnic Education Schools]. It included Lectures, CD presentation, Q & A sessions, discussions and tribal/ heritage reinforcement activities. On everage 200 particiapnts attended each day with 120 being residential. Many participants make hazardous journeys to attend to ensure that their children benefit properly from the schools in remote locations. We would like to thank our major donors JTI Company, The St. Andrew's Society Manila, EVACF, Swedish Embassy Manila, Sime Darby, Unilever, DMC Thread, Holiday Inn Clarke Field, Discover Bay International School Hong Kong, Filippino Travel Centre and many other annonymous donors.

This was a residential Training/Conference/Seminar at SACOP in San Fernando City, Pampanga.
Click here for the programme of lectures.

Jennifer Wallum, MBE and Alain Antonio were heard on Radio RJAM810 from 9.00 to 10.00. Hosted by Zaldy Lenon, this early Saturday talk show entitled "MATE" focuses on tourism, culture and the arts. Many interesting questions were asked by the listeners. It is time and energy consuming to constantly find new ways of promoting EVACF and the work that is achieved. However it is worthwhile if only one person finds out about EVACF that didn't know before.

ADBSA Members supported EVACF at their AGM by buying our stoneware.

ADBSA funded a school at Jesmag, Botolan, Zambales some years ago and we hope they may still keep a caring eye on the school and its students.

The school has grown from two rooms to four rooms with stage and staff facilities.

For more about the ADBSA school click here

Jennifer Wallum, MBE visited Social Action Centre Of Pampanga, SACOP, Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga as part of the preparation for "Towards Happy TOES Capability Building" residential Conference and Training 3 day event. As part of our microfinance support we pre-paid for full board and lodgings of the 200 participants plus visiting guests and speakers. This is a unique event for Indigenous People Communities to receive training in managment of educational property and facilities.

For a list of schools click here.

The EVACF annual visit to Studio Potter and stoneware artist Lanelle Abueva Fernando was on February 12th this year. This is the home of EVACF Mount Pinatubo Ashglaze Stoneware. The address is Sapang Buho, Ascencion Road, Barangay Dalig, Antipolo City, FAX 6305854.

The trip included a tour of the studio, watching the pots being made, a unique lunch based on indigenous food, at Crescent Moon Cafe and an opportunity to buy pottery with a chance to wander in the peaceful Koi garden. Please contact the office on 8160132 to find out when the next tour will be. For more on the pottery follow this link.

Kari Eide, EVACF volunteer from Norway, was to accompany the Stolt-Nielsen Transportation Group on a visit to Viking-St Andrews Schools' compound at Sitio Alunan, Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac. This was to be the third visit to the school and is co-ordinated by the company's Family Affairs Co-ordinator, Angelyn A Alabastro. However the severe weather made the terrain precarious and so the visit has been postponed to March 31st.

Alain's shoes have helped EVACF to gain notice yet again. There was a special mention on EVACF in the Lifestyle section of the Manila BULLETIN, page I-3, writer YONINA CHAN, photography ABBY FRIAS. To read the article click here....... And such beautiful shoes!

EVACF Secretary Bing Carreon Buck attended the inauguration and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the opening of the "Balfour Beatty Overhead transmission Line Training Centre". EVACF, with NCIP Region III have teamworked with Balfour Beatty to give over 60 AETA an opportunity to apply for training. This is a FIRST for the AETA. The training centre is in Carmelray Industrial Park II, Calamba, Laguna. The training centre had its ribbon cut by Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

5 Aeta qualified to attend. These are the first Aeta ever to study this type of training.

Thank you Balfour Beatty!

The Offical launch of the new EVACF powerpoint presentation prepared with the help of students Alexander Lietz and Joseph Skringer as part of their I.B. CAS requirements at BSM. The presentation for EVA Charity Foundation is called "From Pumice Stones to TOE²S". This is going towards the work they are doing for their Community, Action and Service award, as part of their International Baccaleureate Diploma. EVACF President Jennifer Wallum MBE and the EVACF Assistant Treasurer will attend. EVACF also sold their ashglaze stoneaware on the evening. BSM has previously funded a school called Maganday Nobokah. Click here for more. Parents and students showed their appreciation for the professional, entertaining and informative presentation by the team of 3 students. THANK YOU CAS STUDENTS FOR YOUR GREAT WORK which will be a great tool for promoting EVACF.

Each week a group of volunteers gathers at Jenny's house in Dasmarinas village to pack the Mt Pinatubo Ashglaze Stoneware ready for sale. All proceeds go to supporting the work of EVA Charity Foundation. If you have a couple of hours free on a Tuesday Morning why not join them?

The first donation was given by EVACF to begin construction of a TOE²S at CABATUAN, BOTOLAN, ZAMBALES. This is to take advantage of the dry season, when it arrives !!! This money was raised from sales of Mt. Pinatubo Ashglaze Stoneware during Christmas 2007. However more is needed to complete the school. DONATIONS ARE INVITED. This will be the 41st funded school of TOES since year 2000 launching. This school is looking for a name. Please contact the office on 8160132 to find out more.

Driving to this new school building is a gruelling journey. Vice President Alain Antonio led Peter Wallum on an adventure to celebrate the opening of the New Marie Serendipity School Building. See some great photos of the day and read Peter's moving account of his journey.

For great photos of the opening ceremony of Marei Serendipity Click here.
For Peter's moving account of the day click here.

Santa Claus picked up gifts, donated by British School Manila students via ANZA to take to Aeta children.

EVACF has a list of items needed by schools in 2008. If you can donate any of these items they will be much appreciated and support the excellent work in the TOES schools: