The children of Matlang are very thrilled, they look forward to June, the month when schools in the Philippines reopen their doors for the start of the new school year. Yes, because this year they too will study in a real school rather than in a corner of the church that has hosted them from the day of the typhoon. In fact, it has just been completed the construction of the first floor of the School of Peace and Hope created by the Community of Sant'Egidio in collaboration with the Philippine diocese of Palo.

The first floor of the school will open its doors in June, and will welcome nursery and primary school children. Meanwhile, work will continue to develop the second floor. The school, whose plaque was blessed by Pope Francis during his trip to the Philippines, has gained recognition of the government, and it may issue a study certificate valid in all respects.

The village of Matlang, in the area of Tacloban, in the centre of the Philippines, had been devastated by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda for Filipinos). Since then the local children had attended classes in some areas of the parish spared from the fury of the typhoon. Matlang is a very poor area, the population makes a living fishing or working in copper mines under very precarious conditions. Many parents thanked the community with emotion for the gift of the school: the education of their children is in fact a chance for these families in difficulty to be saved, grateful that their children will soon be able to study at the New School of Peace and Hope in Matlang.

The start of building works – June 2014

The 1st floor of the school – May 2015