USAID/Philippines’ Padayon Mindanao is a three-year project that supports peace building in select conflict-affected areas in Mindanao, Negros and Bicol by improving life skills of vulnerable youth through conduct of leadership camps and literacy summits focused on promoting civic engagement and peace education.

Padayon Mindanao supports Philippine Government priorities of improved literacy and peace building in Mindanao, which are still challenged by the lack of opportunities at the community level - where the U.S. Peace Corps has a well-established niche and strong partner relationship with Philippine government agencies.

ACTIVITIES
The U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers will provide expertise as community organizers, resource speakers and trainers towards meeting the goal of supporting peace building in Mindanao. The activity will directly benefit 480 literacy teachers and youth leaders. Padayon Mindanao will indirectly support approximately 12,000 in-school and OSY.

Padayon Mindanao will conduct two literacy summits annually, aimed at improving literacy instructional practice, communication skills, and youth management skills of formal and Alternative Learning System teachers and youth leaders. The planned biannual youth leadership camps, on the other hand, are aimed at increasing literacy and life skills, increasing understanding of civic engagement, and strengthening linkages and understanding among Filipino youth from various regions.

GOAL
To support peace building in Mindanao by:

• Improving youth life and leadership skills
• Promoting civic engagement and peace education among youth
• Improving Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System teachers capacity to educate out-of-school youth (OSYs)

TARGET AREAS

• Isabela City
• Southern Basilan
• Zamboanga City
• Marawi City
• Cotabato City
• Sulu
• U.S. Peace Corps sites in Negros and Bicol