Mamanwa of the Philippines

Awakened By the Bells

What could induce the Mamanwas to try literacy? Fishing seemed to be their only interest, and reading would not help catch fish!

This was the concern of Lilia Castro, Filipina literacy specialist sent to the Mamanwas by a Philippine organization. She tried to think of what they valued besides fish.

Then she remembered their fascination with the tiny brass bells the distant Tbolis make. She offered these as prizes to anyone learning a chapter of the Mamanwa primer.

It worked! Two grandmothers were the first to try. To everyone's surprise, they learned 3 chapters, earned 3 bells each, then kept on going.

Many more followed suit. The Mamanwas have now built a "Timothy Training Center"* to help meet the needs that fish do not meet.

*From the Bible verse, 2 Timothy 2:2: "The things which you have heard, the same entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."