The HAndi PRoject
OF all the stories in this world,
this is my favorite one.
"Can we bring my students to the museum?" This casual question launched Handi in 2015.
Handi started off as a simple request from Jodelyn Calingayan, Grade 5 school teacher of Hucab Elementary School, when we first met five years ago. She explained that due to various constraints, her students, all of Ifugao descent had never been to the Ifugao museum. In the next 24 hours after her request, as we discussed the idea amongst ourselves, we were able to find the means to carry out the field trip for her class. Within 3 weeks, we were able to bring the children on the very first field trip of their lives. And what was it like for our facilitators, all of whom are experienced tour guides? After years of bringing tourists around Kiangan, this tour was extra special as they had their most important guests and told the stories of their heritage to their own kids. It was a day full of museum visits—to the Ifugao musueum, Peace Museum, and World War II shrine—and traditional games, as well as a sumptuous Ifugao lunch.
It was--for everyone--SO MUCH FUN. So much fun that we've decided to do it again, and again, and again, over 50 more times.
The team that makes the handi magic happen
the people
How to handi
Want to do handi in your own places as well? Here's how
STEP 1
Form your handi team
It's important to form your team of allies who are as passionate about this project as you. Ask a friend, fellow organizers or teachers, civic & community groups or your friendly neighbor!
STEP 2
Organize your Handi Map
You want to create a fun learning experience for you, the children, the teachers, and the guides. There are a dozen ways to do this, and it will all depend on what you prioritize and organize in your Handi Map. Your Handi Map will be the list of ideas that you and your team will come up with to make this experience as fun and educational as possible.
In the case of the first Handi Projects, we decided to include agricultural practices, weaving traditions, traditional food, and heritage education. The students visited the Peace Museum, the World War II Shrine, and the Ifugao Museum. Now we've added the Community Heritage Galleries to our tour map!
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You have a team, so ideate and brainstorm together! Remember that at the end of the day, we have one goal, and that is to help these kids know, understand and love their homes so that they can take care of them in the best way possible
STEP 3
List down what you need
You may need transportation, finding volunteers to sponsor and cook an Ifugao lunch, get permits to museums, prepare your materials, and the list goes on. Don’t forget to be resourceful!
Determine sources of
funding and help
List down possible sources of funding for each task you need, the number of volunteers for guides and game masters (these can even be you!), a coordinator, and so on.
STEP 4
Alone we can do so little, and together
we can do so much!
test it out!
Evaluate, and reorganize when needed but make sure to always align your actions to your ultimate goals.
STEP 5
Try, have fun, recognize mistakes
and try again.
how to support
If you have any ideas for
collaborations
or fundraising events,
you can send me
an email at
or message Handi on facebook.