Our Work
Emergency Relief
The Philippines, prone to devastating natural disasters, faces annual challenges from typhoons that displace thousands. The Asia America Initiative collaborates with local partners and provides emergency and long-term relief efforts. The initiative supplies essential resources such as food, water, shelter materials, hygiene products, and medical assistance. Asia America Initiative has over two decades of experience. The primary objective is to sustain the well-being and morale of disaster victims while fostering their self-sufficiency. Additionally, the program aims to improve affected communities' medical and social infrastructures, leveraging a robust network of partnerships to maintain community cohesion and promote a hopeful outlook for the future.
Cancer Treatment
Since 2014, the Asia America Initiative has sponsored children with cancer and genetic diseases at the Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders in Manila. In its first year, 49 out of 50 patients achieved remission, expanding the program to nearly 800 children from impoverished agricultural families at the House of Hope Center in Davao. AAI provides essential life-saving nutrition, trauma support, and uplifting gifts like art supplies and toys, fostering positive attitudes in families who often live on less than $5 a day. Recognizing the challenges of accessing quality medical care and nutrition in underdeveloped regions, the program emphasizes the importance of a joyful mindset for healing, particularly for children. Engaging in art programs conducted in hospital wards promotes the celebration of life and enhances recovery. This initiative is a model for donor generosity and corporate social responsibility, inspiring hope in communities afflicted by severe poverty and malnutrition. AAI partners with hospitals to provide free cancer medication and support nutritional needs, ultimately equipping children with educational resources for a brighter future.
Safe Schools & Second Chance Education
In the Philippines, where millions of children face the dual challenges of religious conflict and natural disasters, the Asia America Initiative (AAI) promotes peace and educational access. With around 50 million school-aged children, UNICEF estimates that 2.85 million are out of school, often exposed to violence and abuse. AAI addresses these issues by providing essential resources like books, school supplies, and nutrition programs to over 50,000 children weekly, particularly in impoverished regions like Sulu Province and disaster-affected areas in Luzon and Visayas. The initiative empowers Christian and Muslim communities through integrated literacy, livelihood skills, and health support, offering out-of-school youth and adults opportunities for diplomas and vocational training. AAI aims to build a foundation for peace and sustainable development by fostering mutual respect and cooperation among diverse cultural groups.
Medical Scholars
Since 2015, the Asia America Initiative (AAI) has supported nursing programs for women in Sulu Province and rural Visayas, Philippines, where educational opportunities have been scarce due to social conflict. With a population of one million and only 16 medical doctors, the region faces a critical shortage of qualified healthcare professionals. AAI aims to empower 50 female students to pursue careers in nursing and psychology, fostering a community-centered health system. The initiative has seen its nursing students rank among the top 20 percent of nursing schools in the Philippines, significantly improving from a 30 percent pass rate in 2015. The program trains younger students as mini-nurses and junior firefighters, instilling early medical knowledge. As the demand for nurses grows globally, particularly post-COVID-19, AAI continues to support its scholars with educational resources and living expenses, helping over 500 women become licensed professionals. Many graduates now serve in respected hospitals, addressing healthcare needs in economically deprived areas and providing vital services to their communities.
Clean Water & Hygiene
In Sulu Province, Philippines, poverty, hunger, and inadequate public health are critical issues, particularly affecting the school-aged population of approximately 350,000 children, with girls facing the most significant challenges. Asia America Initiative (AAI) supports eight schools, assisting nearly 5,000 girls by developing clean water systems and WASH facilities and promoting nutrition to enhance health and education. The program aims to reach 10,000 children, provide hygiene products, improve access to safe water, and significantly boost school attendance and academic performance. AAI also encourages school-based gardens, where community volunteers prepare nutritious lunches. Beyond health and nutrition, AAI fosters inter-faith dialogue to build peace among Christian, Muslim, and indigenous communities, dispelling fear and biases that contribute to division. AAI seeks to create lasting positive change in the region by improving overall well-being and promoting cooperation.
Organic Gardens
In response to escalating food shortages and rising costs, Asia America Initiative, One World Institute, and local partners are implementing sustainable agricultural programs across the Philippines. They empower local farmers and malnourished families to grow food organically by providing seeds and training. This initiative, which started as typhoon relief in 2022, has evolved into a comprehensive program focusing on public health and peace, engaging over half a million organic gardeners of all ages. The initiative includes on-site and online education on nutrition and hygiene and the distribution of books and school supplies to support children and adults. Community meals and workshops encourage participation and foster enthusiasm for new practices, with 450,000 people joining the movement in the past year. AAI’s efforts aim to alleviate poverty and communal violence while enhancing food security and health through integrated literacy, livelihood skills, and a robust social media network that connects educators from diverse backgrounds. The program seeks to replicate its success globally by promoting self-sufficiency and sustainable practices in food production.
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School Based Meals
As food shortages and rising costs continue challenging communities worldwide, Asia America Initiative, One World Institute, and local partners are working across the Philippines to promote sustainable agriculture. They help local farmers and malnourished families grow organic food by providing seeds and training. This initiative began as typhoon relief in 2022 and has expanded into a comprehensive public health and peace program, engaging over half a million organic gardeners. The program includes educational events on nutrition and hygiene and the distribution of books and school supplies for children and adults. Community meals and workshops foster participation, and in the past year, 450,000 people have joined the movement to enhance food security and nutrition. AAI’s efforts aim to alleviate extreme poverty and communal violence through integrated literacy and livelihood skills, while a social media network connects educators from diverse backgrounds. With ongoing support, AAI is poised to expand its successful model to new regions across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.