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Happia and Aya are happy about their first writing outputs.
Happia and Aya are happy about their first writing outputs.

Zamboanga City – For Happia, 38, a Badjao who is among the internally displaced persons (IPDs) during the armed conflict between government troops and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)-Misuari Faction in this city, writing her six-letter name for the first time is a dream come true.

“Masaya ako dahil natuto akong magsulat  (I am happy that I learned how to write),” Happia shared shyly after showing her notebook with scribbles of her name.

Happia together with other 30 Badjao and Samal women who are currently staying at the Zamboanga East-West Central School evacuation center attended the mini-workshop on basic writing organized recently by the camp managers under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Camp Manager Lani Espiritusanto said that most of the Badjao and Samal evacuees from Rio Hondo and Mariki expressed their interest to learn how to write especially their names as the evacuees are asked for their signatures upon receiving relief goods. The unschooled IDPs would affix their thumbmarks instead.

“We find it beneficial not only for the IDPs but also for the agencies and humanitarian groups assisting them. Through this learning activity, we can ensure that the persons receiving the aids are the right recipients,” Aljimar Amil, a volunteer in the evacuation center, said.

Aya Dari, a housewife with six children, said that after the workshop, she makes it a point to practice writing.

“Pagkatapos kong maglaba, nagpa-practice na akong magsulat at pasalamat ako na naturuan kami ng mga taga DSWD  (After doing the laundry, I practice writing and I thank the DSWD for teaching us how to write),” Aya said.

It was also learned that the women would want to learn about simple mathematics and to practice reading the sounds and alphabet in the next session.#