Schools in Samar receive new handwashing facilities and classroom

STA. RITA, SAMAR — World Vision’s Safe Schools Program in Samar Project funded by Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) recently conducted a turnover ceremony of a ten-faucet handwashing facility and a two-door classroom at Tominamos Integrated School.

“We are very grateful to our donor, KOICA, with their generous hearts, for providing and helping us in achieving our goal to increase access to education by providing a safe and inclusive environment to children,” Cleofe Sacala, the Project Manager said in her message.

Many schools in Sta. Rita are damaged due to natural disasters. The project, which started in March 2021, aims to improve the learning environment of students so they can achieve a better learning outcome.

“Hopefully, the facilities will also encourage the students to come to school and concentrate on their studies,” Yoo Jiyoung, Deputy Country Director, said in her video message.

The ceremony was attended by Tominamos Integrated School teachers, District Heads of Sta. Rita, Representative of the Division  Office, and Representative from the Municipal Mayor’s Office.

Present also in the ceremony were the representatives of the other recipient schools who also received the symbolic key of responsibility and acceptance.

“Today our hearts are full of joy in celebration of the gifts we received,” Dr. Lauro Gacusana, District-in-Charge of Sta. Rita 1 said in his message expressing his gratitude to World Vision and KOICA.

This year, ten-faucet handwashing facilities were also constructed at Cadaragan Elementary School, Canunay Elementary School, San Pascual Elementary School, and Sta. Rita National High School, and a six-faucet handwashing facility at Salvacion Elementary School in Sta. Rita, Samar. In addition, a lined drainage was also constructed in Sta. Rita National High School.