In the Philippines, poverty and a lack of education make it difficult for families to survive. For the past 40 years, Punlaan has supported families as they build independence and combat poverty. 

Punlaan provides education for grades K-12 and a two-year technical vocational education in Hospitality and Culinary Arts. Because of their resulting, high-quality education, Punlaan scholars are guaranteed immediate employment after graduation. Punlaan is continuously appealing to build its scholarship fund, motivated by its proven success and the desire to educate more women. 

Punlaan is constructing a new school that will increase its student capacity from 150 to 500 students per year. Construction, which slowed down during the pandemic, is well underway.

Meanwhile, because of COVID-19, all of Punlaan’s classes switched to remote learning for the pandemic years, as mandated by the government. Punlaan is still collecting funds to finish the building and provide its students with tablets. American Initiatives is proud to support Punlaan in making the dreams of young women a reality. For more information, visit punlaanschool.edu.ph

Testimony

I’m Jasmine Flores, a Punlaan student, writing this letter to thank you for the generosity that you have extended to me by sponsoring my education in Punlaan School. 

I remember before, It was just a dream of mine to study in a culinary school, because I'm aware that my parents are not capable of financing my education due to poverty, that's why I thought of taking another course instead that time. But I know deep in my heart that culinary is what I really wanted. The only thing I could do that time is to pray and I did, I told God that his will be done. Then suddenly, Punlaan came into my life. That's why now it's no longer a dream, because I'm living in it today and it will not be possible without your initiative to help me. 

To read the rest of the letter, click here.

Checks made to American Initiatives for Social Development with the memo line “Punlaan School” may be sent to:
American Initiatives for Social Development
Murray Hill Station
PO Box 1670
New York, NY 10156-1670

Punlaan School is a project of Foundation for Professional Training, Inc.