Adopt A Village School - AAVS

  • Home
  • Adopt A Village School - AAVS

Adopt A Village School - AAVS This year, we have our first university scholarship recipient. AAVS believes education is the best investment for children’s future. social distance.

AAVS, a small, private organization, provides top honor roll public elementary, high school and university student scholarships from economically disadvantageous communities computer knowledge & develop Responsibility, Reliability & Respect attributes. AdoptAVillageSchool (AAVS), based in Tokyo, Japan, provides top honor roll students high school scholarships by teaching blind typing, Word, Excel

and PowerPoint starting from G6 Elementary School’s top 5 honor school as Trainees and continue onto their public high school as AAVS Scholars. During their school year, AAVS Scholars must meet once a month to continue to improve their computer skills by writing their diary about their school and home life using Word with photos every month, provide detail of their test results in Excel, keeping track of their Shopping file when they receive school uniforms, clothes, school supplies and school funds in Excel and participate in AAVS Christmas Feeding Program using Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as continue to develop their Responsibility, Reliability and Respect attributes to remain as AAVS Scholars. AAVS also provides tope 5 Honor Roll Elementary School students at the end of year school year at its AAVS Awards ceremony to each of the top 5 Honor Roll students in Grades Kinder to Grade 6 awards ribbons, rice packs and raffle bikes to one of the top Honor Roll students in each Grades Kinder to Grade 6. AAVS started its program in Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines 9 years ago, then added Santa Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu 7 years ago and Pilar, Siargao, Philippines 2 years ago. Before that, AAVS supported schools in Sihanoukville, Cambodia for 4 years and before that, Essan school in Thailand for 4 years. The COVID-19 has made our work more challenging as travel and meetings has been curtailed which reduced our operation greatly. Currently, we communicate via video communications such as by Zoom but when we have to meet, every participant always follows good health practice where everyone takes their temperature and sanitize their hands with alcohol before meeting and wear face masks and keep 2m. And afterwards, clean computers with alcohol. PS - The cover page shows elementary school children eating lunch in Ban Mahachai, Essan, Thailand back in November 16, 2007 where we matched government lunch program funds which was not adequate to provide enough nutrition for students.

03/04/2026

2025-12-14 Dona Waka-Waka LightUp Project #72

2026-03-31 Donalyn 1 – Just me, slowing down and letting the world breathe around me. Sometimes, peace is simply sitting...
03/04/2026

2026-03-31 Donalyn 1 – Just me, slowing down and letting the world breathe around me. Sometimes, peace is simply sitting still and enjoying the moment.
2026-03-31 Donalyn 2 – Finally reunited! Laughing, catching up, and sharing all the stories life has written for us these past months. Moments like these remind me how grateful I am to have friends who feel like home.

2026-03-31 Sarah 1 – This photo was taken during our graduation pictorial, a moment I shared with my friends while weari...
03/04/2026

2026-03-31 Sarah 1 – This photo was taken during our graduation pictorial, a moment I shared with my friends while wearing our togas. It was a meaningful experience, as it symbolized the years of hard work, challenges, and memories we went through together. I felt a deep sense of happiness and pride, knowing that we were finally reaching this milestone. At the same time, I felt a hint of sadness, realizing that this chapter of our lives was coming to an end, making the moment both joyful and bittersweet for me.
2026-03-31 Sarah 2 – This photo was captured during one of our thesis work sessions with my groupmates, but in this moment, we were taking a break and enjoying some snacks together. It reflects not only the hard work and dedication we put into completing our thesis but also the bond we built along the way. I felt grateful to have such supportive groupmates who made the process lighter and more enjoyable. While the thesis journey was challenging, moments like this reminded me that even during stressful times, there is always space for laughter, rest, and shared experiences.

03/04/2026

2026-03-15 Dona Waka-Waka LightUp Project #75

03/04/2026

2026-03-15 Sarah Wakawaka LightUp Project #75

2026-03-10 Dear Diary, Hi Sir! I hope you are doing well as we welcome the month of March. I would like to share some de...
03/04/2026

2026-03-10 Dear Diary, Hi Sir! I hope you are doing well as we welcome the month of March. I would like to share some details on how the first days of this month have been for me. February quietly closed its chapter, but the weight of everything I carried did not end with it. As March arrived, it felt like stepping into a new phase, one that is both exciting and overwhelming. Life lately has been a mixture of pressure, gratitude, and hope. Every day feels like I am moving closer to something big, even if I am still unsure of what the outcome will be. One of the biggest parts of my March so far has been my master’s journey. I am now nearing the end of my second trimester, and the workload has been heavier than ever. Sometimes I pause and think about how much I have already done in such a short period of time. Among all the requirements, one of the highlights for me was developing an SDG-themed module. It was an individual project, and honestly, it challenged me more than I expected. Creating and organizing the module itself was already difficult, but the real challenge came when we were required to have it evaluated by expert teachers—math teachers or educators experienced in curriculum development. Unlike some of my classmates who already have colleagues they can easily approach; I did not really have that advantage. For a moment, I wondered how I would accomplish this requirement. But God truly provides the right people at the right time. I reached out to my mentors, those who guided me during my internship and even some of my teachers from high school, and they willingly helped me. Despite how busy they are, especially now that the DepEd school year is nearing its end, they still took the time to evaluate my module carefully. They gave thoughtful suggestions, corrections, and insights that helped improve my work significantly. I am deeply grateful for their generosity and support. Because of their inputs, the module became a far better version than what I initially created. Aside from the expert validators, I also asked several students who had already finished studying the topic to review the module and share their feedback. I am equally thankful to them. Even with their own academic responsibilities, they still gave their time to help. Seeing both teachers and students contribute their thoughts made me realize that what once seemed impossible was actually achievable with the help of others. Meanwhile, our class discussions in the master’s program continue to grow more complex and demanding. But then again, this is master’s level. It is meant to challenge me, to push my thinking further than what I was used to before. There are moments when I feel overwhelmed, but I remind myself that I will get through this. Hopefully, by next month, I will be stepping into the next semester stronger than before. At the same time, March feels like the culmination of another long journey, my review for the board examination. After months of preparation, the exam week has finally arrived. I will be taking the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers this week. To be honest, I do not know if I am fully ready for something this big. There are still moments of doubt and uncertainty. But beyond all those thoughts, I choose to hold on to faith. I believe that God has been guiding me throughout this entire journey, and I trust that He will continue to do so in the days ahead. As I write this today, March 10, I feel both nervous and hopeful. This month may only be beginning, but it already feels like a turning point in my life. I am praying that by the following months, I will finally hold the teaching license I have been working and praying for. For now, I will keep moving forward, one step, one prayer, and one day at a time. That’s all for now. As I close this entry, I am reminded that even the smallest things that support my journey deserve appreciation. I am grateful to share that the Dynabook 28 and its charger remain in good condition and continue to serve as dependable partners in my academic life. I also carry with me deep gratitude for the unwavering support and guidance of AAVS. Knowing that there are people who believe in my goals and continue to support my growth gives me strength to keep moving forward. With all these blessings, I move through this month with hope and determination for what lies ahead. With heartfelt gratitude, Donalyn A. Sabanal. 2026-03-10 Donalyn 1 – A giant guitar made of flowers—too beautiful to ignore. I stopped for a moment just to admire it. Of course, I had to take a photo to keep the memory. 2026-03-10 Donalyn 2 – A quick selfie after our review. The journey is exhausting, but we’re walking it together. Hoping all the hard work pays off soon.

2026-03-12 Dear Diary, Hi Sir! I hope you are doing well and always staying safe. Before I begin sharing the events that...
03/04/2026

2026-03-12 Dear Diary, Hi Sir! I hope you are doing well and always staying safe. Before I begin sharing the events that happened to me this March, I would first like to include a wonderful and meaningful experience that took place last month, in February, which marked an important milestone in my internship journey. Last month, I officially ended my internship at Swing Eduplex Academy. Saying goodbye to the place where I spent meaningful months was truly bittersweet. I grew to love the environment, the students I once had the privilege to teach, and the people who became part of my training ground and mentors. During my time there, I learned so many valuable lessons not only about teaching but also about responsibility, patience, and professionalism. I am also very proud and grateful to share that throughout all the evaluations I received during my internship, I consistently earned a perfect score of 1, which is the highest possible rating, until the very end of my internship. It was a rewarding feeling to know that my hard work and dedication were recognized. Another piece of good news that made me very happy was when the company invited me to work with them after my graduation if I choose to. Knowing that they saw the passion I have for teaching means a lot to me. What touched me the most was that they did not see my flaws as obstacles, but rather as part of my learning process and growth. It made me feel appreciated and encouraged to continue improving myself as an aspiring educator. After completing my internship, I returned home to Moalboal, where I am currently focusing on working on our thesis publication. This publication is one of the important requirements for me to be able to participate in the opportunity to go to Vietnam. I was informed that I will be the one representing our group, and hearing that news made me feel incredibly grateful and proud. I truly believe that all the perseverance, dedication, and effort I have invested in my studies are slowly paying off. Starting March 2, I have been going to CTU regularly to work on our thesis together with my groupmates. The same routine continued from March 3 until March 11, where most of my days were spent focusing on writing, revising, and preparing our research paper. It was a busy yet productive period, knowing that every step we take brings us closer to completing one of the most important requirements in our academic journey. Today, March 12, was also a very special day because it was finally our graduation pictorial. I went to the venue and was able to meet many of my friends again, which made the day even more enjoyable. I felt very happy seeing them, especially after the busy days we had been spending working on our academic requirements. The pictorial process started with my makeup, followed by my hair preparation, and then the wardrobe fitting. Throughout the photoshoot, I had the opportunity to wear different outfits such as the toga, Filipiniana attire, and corporate wardrobe, which made the experience feel even more exciting and memorable. One of the most meaningful parts of the day was when I had my family pictorial together with my parents. Being able to capture that moment with them meant a lot to me because they have been my constant support system throughout my educational journey. I also took photos with my friends, who have shared many unforgettable memories with me throughout college. In addition, I had the chance to take a photo with Teacher Jazel and Kuya Philip, who have also played important roles in guiding and supporting us. As I reflect on everything that has happened, I feel deeply grateful to the AAVS program for bringing me to where I am today. From the very moment I became a member of this program, it has continuously supported my educational journey. I can honestly say that many of my academic achievements would not have been possible without the opportunities that AAVS provided for me. In a country where opportunities can sometimes be very limited, and where systems are not always fair, I never once felt that in AAVS. The purpose of the program has always been clear—to help us grow not only academically but also as better individuals with stronger values and character. Because of this, I feel extremely thankful for the guidance, support, and trust that the program has given me over the years. It has helped shape not only my education but also the person I am becoming today. Thank you very much, Sir, for your continuous support, guidance, and encouragement throughout this journey. I remain grateful for all the opportunities given to me, and I pray that God will continue to guide me as I move forward in life. For the computer that I am currently using, which is the Dynabook 25 along with its charger, it is still working perfectly. I continue to use it for my thesis writing and other academic tasks, and it has been a great help in making my work more convenient and efficient. Please take care always, and I look forward to sharing more of my experiences with you soon. TRULY YOURS, SARAH JANE TABOTABO 2026-03-12 Sarah 1 – This photo was taken during our family pictorial, a special moment where we gathered together to capture memories as a family. Being surrounded by my loved ones during this photoshoot made the experience joyful and meaningful. Moments like this remind me of the strong support system I have, and it makes me feel grateful to celebrate milestones and simple moments together with my family. 2026-03-12 Sarah 2 – This photo was taken with Teacher Jazel and Kuya Philip from the AAVS program during a memorable moment we shared together. Standing beside them reminded me of the guidance and encouragement they have given to me. Being able to capture this moment with them made it even more special and memorable for me.

03/04/2026

2026-02-15 Dona Waka-Waka LightUp Project #74

03/04/2026

2026-02-14 Sarah Wakawaka Light Up Project #74

2026-02-14 Dear Diary, Hi Sir! I hope you are doing well as we welcome the month of February. In my case, February came ...
03/04/2026

2026-02-14 Dear Diary, Hi Sir! I hope you are doing well as we welcome the month of February. In my case, February came quietly, but it carried with it a different kind of weight. I ended January feeling grateful and grounded. The month had given me warmth, laughter, and moments of stillness with my journey. I closed the month with a heart that was full, whispering a silent thank you for everything that had unfolded. But as February began, I knew it would not be gentle. It arrived with responsibilities lined up one after another, namely my ongoing review for the upcoming LET, my requirements in my studies, and the SDG-aligned module that I am racing to complete. The highlight, and honestly one of the toughest parts, was our final coaching for the LET last February 9 to 12. Thousands of reviewees from the Cebu and Bohol Cluster gathered in one venue. Just imagining that number still amazes me. Our official schedule was from 7 AM to 9 PM, but reality required much more sacrifice. My friends and I were already at the venue before 4 AM because the line was unbelievably long. We had to make sure we were inside before the set time. They were very strict with time. If it says 7 AM, it means 7 AM. No extensions. No excuses. It reminded me so much of AAVS, where discipline is not negotiable. In a way, I was thankful because I was already trained to respect time that way. The rules were another challenge. Once inside, we were not allowed to go out. Everything we brought had to be transparent, including our bags, food containers, and even the smallest items. No phones were allowed. I was already used to not bringing my phone during reviews, but this time it felt different because the venue was far from where I am currently staying. It takes two rides to get there, and traveling before dawn is never easy. Jeepneys are scarce around 4 AM in my area. I overthought everything. What if I couldn’t get a ride? What if it rains? What if something happens and I don’t have my phone? There was a van offering locker services for phones, but with the volume of people, I couldn’t bring myself to trust it. So, I stuck with my original plan: leave my phone at the apartment. But on the first day, it rained so heavily. I remember standing there, questioning if I would even reach the venue dry. I even reconsidered bringing my phone at the last minute. But I chose to trust, to move forward, and to stay disciplined. And I made it. Not just on the first day, but on all four days. The following days were kinder, the weather clearer. I silently thanked God for that small but meaningful mercy. Inside the venue, it was intense. Seeing thousands of aspiring teachers in one place was both intimidating and inspiring. We met the owners of the review center, the lecturers, and the staff. It felt surreal, like we were part of something big, something that could change our lives. It was exhausting, mentally and physically, but we survived it. I survived it. At the same time, my master’s journey continues steadily. Demonstrations, orals, quizzes, problem sets, nothing has slowed down. If anything, February feels like a test of endurance. Right now, I am deeply immersed in developing my SDG module, which will serve as my final output for one of my subjects. I already finished the analyzing phase, where I conducted online interviews with teachers and students in Moalboal since I couldn’t go home due to my schedule. Listening to their struggles in Mathematics, including limited resources, low motivation, and contextual gaps, gave me clarity and purpose. From there, I moved to the designing phase. The responses I gathered became the foundation of everything: my objectives, strategies, assessments, and all that is needed for the module. I made sure it was culturally relevant and responsive to real classroom realities. Now, I am in the developing phase, which means turning ideas into actual materials. It is challenging, especially with the deadline next week, but I am trying and doing my best. This is life! And that is enough to keep going. That’s all for now. I am grateful to share that my Dynabook 28 and its charger are still in good condition and continue to serve as dependable partners in fulfilling my academic responsibilities. They have been instrumental in helping me manage my review materials, master’s requirements, and module development tasks efficiently. I always carry with me sincere appreciation for AAVS’s unwavering support and guidance. Thank you so much! With heartfelt gratitude, Donalyn A. Sabanal. 2026-02-14 Donalyn 1 – Behind this simple selfie is a girl balancing review sessions, deadlines, and quiet prayers, choosing every day to keep going because this is life. 2026-02-14 Donalyn 2 – A photo taken during one of our major review days with the people who make the pressure a little lighter and the journey a lot more meaningful.

2026-02-11 Dear Diary, Hi Sir! I hope you are doing well and always staying safe. Before fully sharing my experiences th...
03/04/2026

2026-02-11 Dear Diary, Hi Sir! I hope you are doing well and always staying safe. Before fully sharing my experiences this February, I would like to take a moment to reflect on some meaningful and interesting events that happened to me last January, which left a lasting impact on my heart and internship journey here in Cebu. Last January 24, I had the opportunity to join a volunteer outreach activity at an orphanage together with our students and the director of the company where I am currently having my internship. The activity was open to those who were free and willing to volunteer, and with the passion and willingness I have to serve, I did not hesitate to join the program. When we arrived at the orphanage, we were warmly welcomed by the children with bright smiles and genuine excitement, which instantly touched my heart. During the program, I was chosen by the director to lead the storytelling session. I served as the storyteller while my classmates acted out the story, making the session more engaging and enjoyable for the children. Seeing them laugh, listen attentively, and actively participate made the experience even more meaningful for me. After the storytelling, we had a games activity where we were tasked to build the strongest and longest tower using plastic straws. Although my group only placed second and did not receive the prize, the activity was still very fun and memorable. We ended the day by sharing lunch together with the Korean students and the children from the orphanage. It was a simple yet beautiful day filled with joy, connection, and a sense of fulfillment that reminded me why serving others is truly rewarding. Another memorable event happened last January 31 during the Literary Festival, which was also a graduation celebration for the majority of our students. The event highlighted both Korean and Filipino cultures, making it a meaningful cultural exchange and celebration. I was given the opportunity to be one of the hosts of the event, which was truly a great privilege for me. Being able to stand in front, guide the program, and share my thoughts during such an important occasion made me feel honored and grateful. Although I felt a bit sad knowing that some of my students were graduating and would soon leave, the event itself was joyful, successful, and unforgettable. It was a day filled with pride, celebration, and mixed emotions, reminding me how attached I have become to my students. As February began, I honestly started to feel homesick. Life here in Cebu is very fast-paced, and everything seems busy all the time. I began missing the slow and peaceful life in the province, the fresh food my parents prepare for me, and the calm environment that gives me comfort and rest. Despite these feelings, I understand that this phase of my life requires growth and adjustment. I know that adapting is part of becoming stronger and more independent. Now that I am 22 years old, I remain deeply grateful for all the experiences I am going through and for the opportunities that life continues to offer me. Through it all, I remind myself that life is good and that every challenge comes with a purpose. Last February 8, 2026, half of my students officially graduated, and I must admit that I felt quite emotional and blue that day. It is difficult not to get attached to students, especially when you spend time teaching, guiding, and learning alongside them. Knowing that they are leaving because their purpose here was only temporary made the moment bittersweet. While I felt sad, I was also happy and thankful that I was able to create meaningful memories with them. Teaching them made me realize that learning goes both ways—I was learning from them just as much as they were learning from me, even though I am known as their teacher. This coming week, another student will be graduating, and this student has formed a very special bond with me. She holds a special place in my heart, and I know that I will once again feel emotional when she leaves. However, I am slowly learning to accept that this is part of life. There are things we cannot control, and sometimes all we can do is let things be and appreciate the moments while they last. Despite these emotional moments, I remain hopeful and excited as my life this year continues to unfold. I look forward to what lies ahead, trusting that each experience—whether joyful or challenging—is shaping me into a better and stronger person. Thank you, Sir, for your continued guidance, support, and encouragement. I remain grateful for all the opportunities given to me, and I pray that God will continue to guide me as I move forward in this journey. For the computer that I am using which is the Dynabook 25 along with its charger, it is still working perfectly and I use it in lesson planning and is a really big help for my internship journey. Thank you for letting me use this laptop sir. It is so convenient. Please take care always, and I look forward to sharing more experiences with you. TRULY YOURS, SARAH JANE TABOTABO 2026-02-11 Sarah 1 – This photo was taken with my co-interns and the company director during our visit to an orphanage as part of a volunteer outreach activity. The experience was truly meaningful, as we were warmly welcomed by the children with bright smiles and genuine excitement. Being part of this activity reminded me of the importance of service, compassion, and giving time to those who need it most. Standing alongside my co-interns and the director made me feel proud and grateful to be part of an organization that values community involvement and shared humanity. 2026-02-11 Sarah 2 – This photo was taken while I was hosting during the Literary Festival 2026, a special event that celebrated both Korean and Filipino culture. Being chosen as one of the hosts was a great privilege and an unforgettable experience for me. Although I felt a bit emotional knowing that some of my students were graduating, the event was filled with joy, learning, and meaningful moments. Hosting the program allowed me to share my thoughts, connect with others, and grow in confidence, making the entire experience both fulfilling and memorable.

Address


Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Adopt A Village School - AAVS posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

  • Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization?

Share