‘School of the Highlands’, a video documentary produced by the Asian Council for People’s Culture (ACPC) that presents indigenous peoples’ unique perspectives on education, was awarded the UNICEF Prize at the 30th Japan Prize International Educational Program Contest on November 5.
The documentary, filmed by veteran videographer Romulo "Nonoy" Regalado, portrays efforts by Mindanao tribal communities and their elders to preserve their vanishing traditions through the establishment of culturally responsive schools.
“Our cultural survival rests on our own schools that nurture our cultures and traditions,” declared Datu Mandimati Conrado Binayao, Bukidnon tribal elder and one of the founders of the indigenous schools.
The UNICEF Prize is awarded to programs that promote understanding of the lives or circumstances of children in difficult situations. Television and production companies from around the world participated in the 2003 competition.
The ACPC documentary featured tribal schools situated in remote rural areas where, in most cases, education and social services are non-existent. The schools thrive on community initiatives and volunteer services by local educators, parents, tribal leaders and NGOs.
Despite daunting barriers and the lack of resources, the villagers’ desire to provide education to their children is the primary motivation that sustains the schools.
ACPC supports the communities with the development of culturally responsive curricula, teacher training and the establishment of local schools. It facilitated the formation of the Schools of Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions (SIKAT), a national network of community learning centers promoting culture-based education.
School of the Highlands was produced by ACPC's Research and Documentation Unit and the Philippines-Australia Governance Facility (PAGF) in cooperation with Broederlijk Delen and Cordaid.
For further information, contact:
Al Santos
Programme Director
Asian Council for People’s Culture
13 Madre Selva St., Roxas District, Quezon City
Phone: (63 2) 373-4932 Fax: (63 2) 412-1954
www.acpc.ph
