MY MISSION TO HELP A MISSION …

By Viccy Harper

[ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Since first arriving in the highlands of Kalinga in 2003, Viccy Harper has become a pillar of support for St. Paul’s Memorial School of Kalinga Inc. (SPMSKI). What began as a teaching placement through the Anglican Board of Mission evolved into a two-decade journey of philanthropy, infrastructure development, and student sponsorship. In this reflective piece, Viccy shares the story of how a small community in Balbalasang captured her heart, and how the Harper family continues to work hand-in-hand with the school to bridge the gap between rural education and global opportunity.]

It was in July 2003 that I first set foot in Babalasang to teach at St. Paul’s Memorial School of Kalinga Inc. (SPMSKI), unaware that this small, yet education-focused community, would change the course of my life. The school, though full of eager learners, struggled to keep up with the demands of modern education. Buildings needed refurbishing, resources needed to be refreshed, and access to technology needed to be introduced. Recognizing these needs, and with the blessings of the Right Reverend Renato Abibico and the faculty, I took on the challenge of raising funds to help the school move into the 21st century.

One of my guiding principles has always been: If one can’t take students to the world, one must bring the world to the students. With that in mind, I began to talk with people back home in Australia hoping to find financial support to make improvements in infrastructure, introduce technology into the curriculum, and create opportunities that would allow students to dream beyond their expectations. However, while I have played a role in raising funds, it is the school, parents and the community who have truly embraced and owned the changes that continue to be made.

Their dedication and hard work ensure that every improvement becomes a lasting part of the school’s growth and development.

My journey as a benefactor at SPMSKI started on a different path. I was sponsored by the Anglican Board of Mission (ABM) in Australia to teach English. It was one of their partners being the Episcopal Church in the Philippines (ECP) that took me on board.

The Reverend Allen Aligo served as a dedicated guide for my husband, Richard, and me for several years, looking after us and introducing us to many communities across Northern Luzon. A wonderful way to meet the priests and others attached to the Episcopal Church of Northern Luzon (EDNL). And so, I ended up in EDNL’s only institution.

While my initial purpose was to teach English, my time in Balbalasang transformed into a long-term commitment. From 2003 to 2018 I returned to the school for close to three months every year. The community’s dedication to education inspired me. Parents, though some living modestly, prioritized their children’s schooling, fostering an environment where learning was valued above all else.

In 2004, I began sponsoring tuition fees for indigent and deserving students. What started as a small initiative gradually grew, and many students continue to benefit from this support. For these young learners, education is not just a privilege but a lifeline to a brighter future.

I was fortunate enough that our close friend Simon Dickie heard and understood my ‘cry’ for assistance and he was one of the first to sponsor a student. His concern and interest turned into a long association with the school when he started to teach Christian Education in 2008. For ten years he spent a couple of weeks a year in the village teaching; … “I immediately became part of the community, they knew I was there to work and share knowledge to assist with the students’ development. What a community, enthusiastic to learn, caring, polite and very spiritually aware.”… His contribution continues today as the students enjoy his Christian Education program “Stepping Stones for Life”.

The people of Balbalasang also welcomed me with warmth and hospitality. Their spirit, rooted in cooperation and mutual respect, showed me that even in the most remote locations, education can thrive when there is a collective will to uplift the next generation. It was humbling to witness students walking long distances, crossing rivers, and braving the elements just to attend classes. Their commitment, and that of their families, continues to be a source of my deep admiration and motivation.

Over the years, I have experienced a spectrum of emotions — inspiration, and frustration along with much joy and satisfaction. My greatest aspiration has been to see SPMSKI students rise to their full potential, equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed. The resilience and enthusiasm of these students has been my greatest inspiration, fuelling my determination to continue despite the many obstacles. The journey has not been without its frustrations. Limited resources, the challenge of sustaining financial support, and the slow pace of systemic change have often tested my patience! Yet, each hurdle has only reinforced my belief in the importance of persistence and unwavering commitment by everyone involved.

The school, parents, Alumni members and community have celebrated many small victories along the way. With the help of donations, classrooms have been refurbished, the school has been equipped with computers and internet access, and a dormitory has been built. These are more than just material improvements — they represent hope, progress, and the beginning of a broader transformation in the way students learn and engage with the world.

Despite the progress that has been made, much remains to be done for the school to continue to flourish. Sustainable funding for scholarships, continued modernisation of facilities, and the integration of more advanced educational programs are important.

Additionally, fostering partnerships with organisations that can provide mentorship, training, and career opportunities for students is essential in bridging the gap between education and real-world applications. We also need to ensure that teachers are continuously supported through training and development so that they can offer the highest quality education.

Strengthening the school’s ties with its Alumni is an important factor for the future of the school. The former students of SPMSKI, many of whom have gone on to lead successful lives, are the living testament to what education can achieve. By reconnecting them with the school, we can create a sustainable cycle of giving back — mentorship, resources, and scholarships that directly impact current students. This network can become one of the school’s most powerful assets.

My vision for SPMSKI is not just to be a school that survives, but one that cares about the pursuit of excellence, thrives and becomes a model for rural education in the Philippines. I imagine a future where every student, regardless of economic background, has access to the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in life. I envision graduates eventually returning to their communities as tradesmen, doctors, engineers, teachers, policemen, soldiers, attorneys and leaders — carrying with them the values of perseverance, service, and compassion that were nurtured at SPMSKI.

Achieving this vision requires more than just funding. It requires belief in the potential of every child, in the power of education, and in the strength of a united community. The work is ongoing, and there are still many challenges ahead. But I am heartened by the progress that has been made and by the unwavering spirit of everyone involved.

Reflecting on this journey, I am reminded that change doesn’t happen overnight, but every effort – no matter how small – creates ripples that extend beyond what we can immediately see. With continued support and dedication, in particular from the Alumni Association, we can ensure that the students at SPMSKI receive the education they deserve, empowering them to become the leaders and change makers of tomorrow.

The Harper family (my husband Richard and sons’ Tom and Alec) is fortunate to be associated with the school and as the years go by, we will continue that association alongside ABM and the Episcopal Church in the Philippines.

And so, we continue hand in hand with the school, parents and community that believes in education, growth, and the future. Together, we are not just building a better school; we are building a better world, one student at a time.

Remember parents are a child’s first teacher and it takes a village to raise a child. Education, when truly inclusive, becomes a powerful equalizer.

That is the dream the Harper family continues to work towards.

Peace and blessings to you all.