Nicolas Danie-Alegado IP Integrated School (formerly Colot S. Aligado Indigenous People High School)

Nicolas Danie-Alegado IP Integrated School (formerly Colot S. Aligado Indigenous People High School) is in General Santos City, Mindanao and was established in 2021. Starting at a modest 25 students, the school projected an increase to 100 students for the Academic Year 2021-2022. The location is so far-flung that in order to attend class every day, students would have to trek for hours on Monday morning and spend the rest of the week in a hut beside their classroom, and finally go home on Friday after their last class. Nicey, who was in the seventh grade when HOPE interviewed her, shared that their old classrooms were improvised using tents.

With the help of HOPE and VitaCoco, two additional classrooms were built with the objective of creating an environment conducive to learning for all students from Grades 7 to 9. Another two classrooms were built prior to these ones; they were put up as a school-inclusion feeding program. Solar power equipment and rainwater collection systems were also installed in order to efficiently utilize all resources possible. 

Before HOPE came into the picture, it was not uncommon for students and teachers to come into school with wet feet due to the rain. Now, they can freely enjoy playing B’laan instruments and songs together. Thanks to the electricity HOPE has provided, they are now able to watch movies and performances. They express their gratitude: “Kulang po yung words na sobrang saya namin.” The classrooms serve as catalysts for the preservation of B’laan culture and boost the confidence and integrity of the tribal community. They can proudly say that they–whose way of life is looked down upon by many–can compete globally through their new classrooms. 

The impact that the organization has had on the community is nothing short of remarkable. The classrooms double as safe spaces and sources of comfort where students and teachers can work hand in hand to build their very own version of hope.  

Learn more about the impact that HOPE’s classrooms had here.