Sea Of Knowledge

Thousands of high-quality reference books are sorted by student-volunteers at the University of Mindanao-Matina in Davao City. The books were distributed to 55 schools in the province of Northern Cotabato, and benefited approximately 28,600 students. The book distribution was conducted by USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program through its Education Awareness Support Effort (EASE). Through EASE, the GEM Program matches the funds raised by parent-teacher associations to implement specific education improvement projects in partner-schools, which may include the establishment of mini-libraries, computer laboratories and multi-media centers. To date, EASE educational matching grants have been awarded to approximately 800 schools in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. GEM is being implemented under the oversight of the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo). GEM