GRASSROOTS SOLIDARITY PROGRAMS

This program was born out of a spontaneous response to help the fire victims in Lower Calarian, a predominantly Muslim poor area. Since then, the movement has given preferential option to poor communities where Muslims and Christians live together and in solidarity with the disadvantaged through this program. It gives witness to its vision-mission promoting the culture of dialogue by its presence and various activities. It still gives emergency and relief assistance to poor areas struck by disasters and natural calamities.

1) SILSILAH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – This is a school in St. Cruz island, where there is a Muslim community. Silsilah offer formation and community services. The formal elementary education school of Silsilah in the island is recognized by the Department of Education. This was established due to the absence of any public school to provide elementary school to the many children in this fishing island which can be reached by a 30 minute boat ride from the Zamboanga City main land.

2) SILSILAH SOLIDARITY SCHOOLS - These kindergarten and nursery schools are located in Pitogo, Lower Calarian, Sta. Catalina and Paniran Extension . In Pitogo which is a predominantly Muslim area, a madrasah was recently built upon the request of the community. The Movement is convinced that this is an effective system to form the young boys and girls to their Islamic faith. These schools are supplemented with feeding, health and sanitation, formation of women, children and families and other social services. The social arm of the Emmaus Dialogue Community, the Padayon Center takes care of the schools in Sta. Catalina and Paniran communities.

The movement encourages the formation of harmony zones; identified areas where Muslims and Christians live together and commit themselves to live in peace, harmony, and dialogue and are able to influence their neighbors to join the program and engage in activities for the good of the community. A Council of Leaders is formed who help in the identification of needs and resources of their respective zones. The members are given regular formation on the value of cooperative work, and motivated to promote dialogue, peace and development, and assist in emergency situations like crisis, fire and natural calamities.