On March 8, 2025, JCI Surigao North broke ground on the Sama Bajau Community Learning and Empowerment Center in Ecovillage Resettlement, Sitio Panubigon, Brgy. Lipata, in partnership with the City Government of Surigao, UN-Habitat Philippines, Tahanan ni Juan Foundation, Inc., UAP Surigao Chapter, and Light of Hope Philippines. This initiative marks a major milestone in the effort to provide accessible, inclusive, and culturally sensitive education to the Sama Bajau community—a historically underserved group in Surigao City.
The Challenge
The Sama Bajau community in Brgy. Lipata continues to face deep-rooted challenges in accessing quality education and basic learning infrastructure. For many children in the area, especially those living in the resettlement village, the lack of a dedicated learning space and educational materials has hindered consistent schooling and skill development. Social marginalization and displacement have further limited their opportunities for growth, keeping many families in cycles of poverty with little hope of long-term progress.
The Solution
To address this gap, JCI Surigao North collaborated with both public and private sector partners to break ground on the Community Learning and Empowerment Center, a space dedicated to inclusive, culturally respectful, and community-driven education. This initiative isn’t just about constructing a building—it’s about creating a safe haven for the Sama Bajau children to explore, read, learn, and grow. The center will be powered by sustainable off-grid solar technology through Light of Hope Philippines and designed by the UAP Surigao Chapter to meet the specific needs of the community. Through donation drives for books and learning materials, the project also invites the larger community to be part of this mission—making education a truly collective effort.
The Result
With construction now underway, the learning center is set to become a vibrant educational hub for the Sama Bajau children and their families. It will offer a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment where learning thrives and self-worth is restored. Early engagement has already sparked enthusiasm within the community, with families and partners contributing their time, resources, and voices. The project stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when organizations come together with compassion, vision, and a shared commitment to equity. Once completed, the center will not only provide access to education but also empower a marginalized community to dream bigger and rise higher.