2012 was an auspicious year for us at Sambat Trust. Three school libraries were launched one after the other: Pantay Bata Elementary School Library in February 2012; Trapiche Elementary School Library in August 2012; and Ambulong Elementary School Library in October 2012.

During the launch, authors came and shared their inspiring stories to teachers and students. Candy Gourlay had an author visit in Pantay Bata Elementary School, while Russell Molina graced the inauguration at Trapiche Elementary School.

In October Sambat Trust founder, Anthony Mariano, was in town to personally attend the turn-over ceremonies at Ambulong Elementary School. A new partnership was forged with local organization, TUPAD, and this enabled Sambat Trust to extend its reach to more children in need of books and educational materials. Teacher trainings and educational sessions with scholars were done year round by teacher-writer, MJ Tumamac and reading clinician, Cynthia Villafranca. 

Computers donated by Hoshirou Nakamura of Japan were installed in Sambat Elementary School last September 2012. Striking a partnership and collaboration with First Asia Institute, training on computer literacy to teachers is scheduled this summer of 2013. 

By December 2012, Sambat Trust received a plaque of recognition for its literacy projects and activities by the Department of Education, District of Tanauan City, Batangas. This award is indeed a feather in Sambat Trust’s cap and the team shares this with the people and organizations who have helped Sambat Trust establish eight libraries in the past five years. Thank you very much to the Barangay Captains and LGUs, Parent Teacher Associations, School Principals and Supervisors! Maraming, maraming salamat po sa mga book donors at partners! You made our mission possible!

The local team of Sambat Trust and its founders, the Mariano family, are inspired and motivated to continue the mission of supporting literacy and education in the Philippines. May 2013 be another successful year, not only for Sambat Trust, but for the students and learning communities it has identified to support and uplift through the library project and scholarship program.

We're always on the lookout for imaginative new fundraising ideas - and here's one that we've been very quick to take up.

It's called Dinner4Good and allows you to raise money for us simply by
doing something you enjoy - having friends round for dinner!
 
To see how it works just go to www.dinner4good.com/SambatTrust

What's really exciting about this idea is that anyone can do it - unlike running a marathon or climbing Kilimanjaro.

What's more, those donating get to enjoy the event itself, plus the money is raised by doing something you might be doing anyway.

Lastly, but perhaps most important of all, it's 'sustainable' - you can do it more than once and your friends might then also hold a Dinner4Good... which means that, over the coming months, this simple idea could raise more money than even the most heroic of feats!

So get the ball rolling with a dinner of your own... and let's see how far it can go.
 
Dinner4Good will keep you informed of all the money that's been raised as a result of your first dinner being duplicated by others. They've calculated that your single dinner could generate up to an amazing £100,000 over a period of five years - how good would that feel ?!

”Happy New Year! 
 
Thank you for being our partner last year.  This year, we are getting ready for another creative year.  More diverse product lines are lined up and more interesting workshops.  

Attached is our most updated list of available titles for your reference.  Should you have any requirements that we may help you with, please don't hesitate to call me or email me.  

Looking forward to another year of working with you!”

Fiona Fajardo, Business Development Officer

Thank you for buying and/or selling Car Draw tickets! The draw will take place at the FSI Workshop on 19th February, the winner will be notified and put on the Car Draw website.

Good luck!

Do you remember our Second Birthday Campaign for Ambulong Primary School? Here's Zarah at the library opening enjoying stories with the children!