A compendium of stories of Sama Bajau learners in Southern Philippines
Sama Bajaus are among the Filipino ethnic-linguistic groups who were once considered as Gypsies of the Sea. They live in the waters of the Sulu Sea in Mindanao at the southern tip of the Philippines with a nomadic, boat-dwelling way of life. But over the decades, the Sama Bajaus needed to change the way they live due to wars, discrimination, and environmental issues, driving them away from their home.
As they settled on the land and spread across the country, they faced the issue of citizenship, which prevented them to access basic protection and social services. The plight of Sama Bajau is often unseen and misheard, leaving them marginalized and much worse, forgotten.
CFSI and Educo Philippines work together in fighting for this cause through the Sama Bajau Education Support Project (SBESP). The project aims to support the disadvantaged and vulnerable Sama Bajaus by helping them improve their literacy and employability through Flexible Learning Strategies and Technical and Vocational Skills Training.
Many Sama Bajau learners have completed the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program and technical vocational skills training and are now ready for employment opportunities. With this, they are hoping to give their family a better life and break free from societal discrimination.
Their successes are documented in this compendium of stories, showing how far they have become. Their story needs to be told.