Banwaon High School Student Notebook Packs

On behalf of the Banwaon High School Students …. THANK YOU to ALL those who’ve so generously donated and helped us surpass our $1500 campaign goal!

In these difficult times we know many are facing financial challenges.  We’re grateful for kind hearts who have continued to reach out to those in the far corners of the world who would otherwise struggle to afford even a $10 notebook pack.  May you be blessed for your helping hearts and hands.

Please see our last update at the bottom of this summary page if you’d like to see how the extra funds will be used.

THANK YOU again for making a difference and helping out these beautiful Banwaon young people.

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The Banwaon indigenous people of Mindanao are surely some of the most gentle and beautiful people in the world!

Even although they live in the middle of the jungle at the end of an old logging road and are basically subsistence farmers, education is highly prized.

In 2017 a high school was established as a follow-on from the Government elementary school in the village. Obtaining basic school supplies remains a challenge due to the low income and remote location of the community.

Just $10 will purchase a school note-book pack for each of the 145 high school students currently enrolled in classes.


Since March 2020 face to face classes throughout the Philippines have been banned. However on 1 October 2020, students will recommence lessons using printed modules their teachers are preparing.

Students do have some school supplies such as pens, rulers and scissors left over from generous donations for school starter packs in 2018 and 2019.


This year each student needs 8 notebooks and a protective plastic carry-case, all of which will be purchased in the nearest lowlands town 50km away by the high school teacher team then brought up by motorbike.

The additional $50 towards our $1500 goal will go towards quality staplers for each of the seven teachers as they compile the printed student modules. Any additional funds will help purchase an infrared forehead thermometer needed to meet Government standards when teachers travel up and distribute the modules.

Banwaon students, parents and the teachers are so grateful for your help in providing these basic supplies so these great kids can study more effectively in what has been a difficult year for everyone.

Details ...

$10 per pack
145 students
8 notebooks and one carry-case per pack
October 1 deadline
Additional funds - staplers for teachers; forehead thermometer

Thank you for helping educate indigenous children!


A little history:

The Banwaon High School was established in 2017 by Australian mission-aid workers, Albert & Lynne Castelijn, as a joint project in conjunction with the local Banwaon community, Just Projects International Philippines and the Department of Education.

The local community rallied wonderfully to support the school, grateful their children no longer have to leave home for the city for an education.

Thanks to the generous donations of individuals and the charity group One World Oxted, UK a quality four classroom junior High School building has been constructed by Banwaon men primarily using local materials.

Albert has trained local men in carpentry skills, plumbing and concreting, skills which will benefit the broader community for years to come.

The high school is now registered with the Philippines Department of Education with hopes that by 2022 it will be fully handed over and funded by this Government Department.

Before then, plans are under way to complete a bathroom block for the high school as well as teacher accommodation and a secondary high school building for Grades 11-12.

Thanks again for your support of the Banwaon indigenous community by sponsoring a child's $10 school pack this year!