by Andrew Aviso (Published in Pilipino Express February 16-29)
Bahay kubo is a traditional nipa hut in the Philippines. This small bungalow stands on stilts on the country’s magnificent Pacific coast. There may not be bamboo nor palm trees here in Winter-peg, but there is definitely a solid community foundation our youth can build upon.
The Filipino-Canadian non-profit organization, ANAK, started the program in 2008 by pairing volunteer mentors with students at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute (DMCI). These high school students in turn mentor elementary age children at Wellington School. The program is an inter-generational and cross-cultural experience that brings together second and third generation Canadians with newcomer youth. It is a fun, educational and inspiring four-week program where participants have the only opportunity to explore Tagalog/English reading, cross-cultural games, healthy living, and positive self-image.
The Bahay Kubo Initiative will run on Thursdays from February 25 to March 25 after school from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. To learn more or to register your child, call Andrew (Bahay Kubo Coordinator) at 204-995-1403.
