ASIA/PHILIPPINES – The mission and educational commitment of the “Silsilah” movement for Islamic-Christian dialogue

ASIA/PHILIPPINES-The mission and educational engagement of the “Silsilah” movement for Islamic-Christian dialogue

Zamboanga del Sur – Mistrust, prejudice, and suspicion between Muslims, Christians, can creep into families in the South of the Philippines, particularly among the most disadvantaged and poorest families. According to a note that was sent to Fides, the Movement for Islamic–Christian dialogue “Silsilah”, which means “chain”), was established in the South of the Philippines by Father Sebastiano D’Ambra, a PIME missionary. Its purpose is “being in solidarity and with all people in reaching the least, in building an ecologically healthy human society”.
The note is a summary of over thirty years of educational engagement, which is based upon the promotion of the spirituality and dialogue in four pillars. These are dialogue with oneself, dialogue with God, dialogue with others, and dialogue with Creation.
In 1989, Santa Cruz was home to the first “Silsilah School”. This school was established to allow poor families, mostly Islamic, to have access to education. A few more years later, there were other campuses or institutes in Zamboanga’s different communities like Sant Catalina and Baluno. Silsilah Schools has been recognized by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, which is now known as the Department of Education, to be private educational institutions.
“Our school is founded on the principle of building bridges, serving people, which is central to the spirit and spirit of dialogue and peace. The Movement’s note states that education is a way to promote dialogue and peace, which plays an important role for the development of an integrated education for students.
In the post-Covid age, institutions face many problems. UNICEF research estimates that 27 million students in the Philippines lost more then a year of in-person learning because of the pandemic. “This crisis has been an enormous challenge for our country’s education system. This has led us to realize how important it was to make learning accessible and easy for everyone.
The “Silsilah Primary School” has fully resumed teaching activities in the 2022-2023 schoolyear. The Silsilah elementary school’s main campus can be found near Zamboanga City’s “Pink Beach”. “Teachers live out their professional mission because they want the community to be successful, despite all the challenges they face.” Silsilah says that their mission is not to only impart knowledge, but also teach children respect and tolerance, and to foster peace through dialogue in order to make a difference in their lives and the lives of their families. “We strive to integrate the values in all aspects of learning. We can help the Silsilah movement realize its goals and promote them in the educational process. This includes bringing Christians or Muslims back to God, spiritual harmony, and peace between Muslims, Christians, and people from other religions. Father Sebastiano D’Ambra says that our teachers are passionate and live the lessons they teach every day.
Italic missionary from Italy recalls how teachers have a profound impact on young people and children beyond the classroom. “They help to shape and inspire young minds, and influencing their hearts, souls and lives.” They give others the gift of learning, and they don’t expect anything in return. Silsilah concludes that this is one of the best aspects about teaching.
Since 1984, the Islamic-Christian Movement “Silsilah”, which is a large part of the Muslim population in the south of the Philippines, has been active. A nation of 110 million people, 90% of whom are Catholics, 6 million people practice Islam. They are mostly located in the “Bangsamoro Autonomous Region”, which includes six provinces in southern Philippines: Basilan (Lanao del Sur), Maguindanaoo, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 7/10/022)

Share: