From a start of three students in July 2001 we now have almost 50 students and housing for 30. We need more space and better facilities not only for our current and future students but for pre- school and adult deaf that we cannot now help.
We have on faith purchased over two acres of property that we plan to build classrooms and dorms. We need to find individuals, corporations, foundations and churches to help us build these buildings.
DORMS - We will have a dorm for boys and one for girls. Each will accommodate up to 25 students. The estimated cost is $20,000.00 each.
CLASSROOMS - To provide for classrooms, library, science lab, meeting room, dining room and kitchen the cost is estimated at $40,000.00
In the future we will also have need for livelihood training, hearing testing and guidance facilities.
There are a number of areas in which we would like to help our students and the deaf community but are restricted by lack of resources. These include
1. We would like to provide early intervention training for parents and infants who are deaf. The earlier a child starts the quicker they will develop their communication skills.
2. References and children books for the library. In addition audio/visual aid equipment for study and use in classrooms.
3. Thru Gallaudet University we would purchase their parent/child reading program. For tapes and VCR players the cost is about $1,000.00
4. Recreational activities for the students. Some sports that are appropriate for the deaf are track, swimming, football (soccer) and golf. We need equipment and coaches. We currently have a number of students in swimming at a local pool. We need training equipment and sponsors for pool fees, transportation costs and entry fees.
Our current cost is about $750 per student and that covers all educational and housing costs. Many of our students lack clothing, shoes and personal articles. We would like churches, organizations and individuals to "Adopt-A-Student" if you would like to adopt one or more students the sponsorship is $75 per month or $37.50 for a half sponsorship. We will identify a student for you and send you periodic reports and pictures of your sponsored child.
If you can be of help in any area we would appreciate it. Please write or email us if you can help. Your prayers are always needed and much wanted for our school and especially for our students.
Charina "Chay" L. Haynes
President
chaylausa(at)aol.com
chay(at)sdifi.org
Carl William Haynes
Trustee
haynescw(at)aol.com
carl(at)sdifi.org
The 100 couples and Teri Hermoso of Cafe Hermoso for the success of "Dinner for a Cause" on Valentine's Day to benefit the building fund of School For The Deaf in Iligan.
Princess Marianne, Diny & Jaap Sterling and the Lions Club of Voorburg, Netherlands for their donation of a Singer sewing machine for our livelihood program.
Thank you to Munish and Puja Dewan for a cake and gift for our students in honor of her birthday.
We would like to thank the following for their contributions to purchase the prizes for the 2005 PTA raffle.
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Freund
Mr. & Mrs. Robert James
Mr. & Mrs. James Carmody
Mr. & Mrs. Walter Domerscki
Mr. & Mrs. Gene Baugh
Mr. & Mrs. Steven Green
Mr. & Mrs. Keith Gosney