Classroom for Cultures Project:A Journey of Hope: A Classroom for the Aeta Learners of Brgy. Inararo, Porac, Pampanga.

After a rough three-hour drive into the remote barangay of Inararo in Porac, Pampanga, we reached a quiet Aeta community where young learners sat on the ground, listening intently to their teacher. There was no roof over their heads, no desks to sit on, and no blackboard for the teacher to write on. The old classroom was uninhabitable—leaking roof, no lights, and crumbling walls.

Seeing this reality, the Rotary Club of San Juan del Monte, led by President Sheng Quitoriano, asked the question: Can we do something about this?

The answer was yes.

With the support of Rotarians and Rotaractors, we launched the Classroom for Cultures Project: Indigenous Literacy to refurbish the old, dilapidated structure and transform it into a vibrant, functional learning space. Construction began—repairing the roof, installing lights, building shelves and cabinets, painting colorful murals, and decorating the walls with educational posters and animal stickers.

Books were carefully placed on shelves, and brand-new school desks were brought in—carried across muddy paths to reach the school site. While waiting in a makeshift outdoor classroom, the children huddled together, eyes wide with excitement. When they saw the desks, touching it, their joy was overwhelming. Some didn’t want to leave. Their smiles said it all.

The Rotaractors prepared snacks, and the Rotarians gently led the children into their newly renovated classroom.

“Wow, ang ganda! Ano ito?” (“Wow, it’s beautiful! What are these?”) one child asked, pointing at the stickers on the wall.

Today, these Aeta students finally have a safe, welcoming space to learn—no longer fearing the rain or heat. They now have desks to sit at, a roof over their heads, and a classroom that inspires curiosity and hope.

This is what service looks like. This is Rotary.