THE ANAWIM
FOUNDATION
The Anawim Foundation was established ten years ago
by the then Bishop of Kabankalan, Msg. Vicente Navara. We
have observed in a number of churches at Sunday Masses, in
Manila, Bacolod and Kabankalan, people engaged in the
ministry of signing to the deaf. So this ministry of care
for the deaf is well established in the Philippines. Here
in Kabankalan Cathedral, we were taken by the sincerity and
devotion of a young woman fulfilling this service and made
enquiries.
Anawim occupies a simple building near the
Bishop’s House and currently caters for 40 children
of Elementary and High School age. A partnership exists
with Kabankalan Catholic College nearby. The key person in
the Foundation is Miladdie Cheu, a woman in her thirties
who appears to be totally devoted to the care of these
children. She says of herself, “If I do not do this,
the deaf will never ‘hear’ the Word of
God.” She is impressive in her simplicity.
By buying within the Philippines we have been able to
purchase for them two computers and a small printer,
costing approximately A$1,100 all up. As can be seen from
the photos, it was a big day for the children. Miladdie had
had them installed and begun giving the children lessons.
She invited us to a little ceremony to allow the children
to express their thanks. It was a beautiful experience.
