Iskwelahang Pilipino’s official mascot is the sorbetes cart shipped directly from the Philippines. It is used in the school’s annual fund-raisers.

Every Sunday afternoons from October to May, about 80 Filipino American children troop to Iskwelahang Pilipino in Bedford, Massachusetts, for language, rondalla, and Philippine folk dance lessons.

Iskwelahang Pilipino is possibly the longest-running cultural school in the US, founded in 1976 by a group of Filipino parents who wanted their children to know more about their heritage.

Starting with some 30 students ages 3 to 17, the school had four volunteers and assistants who taught three-hour classes on language and culture, music, folk dance, and arts and crafts. Tuition for each student was $50.

“The proverb ‘It takes a village . . .’ is really what Iskwelahang Pilipino is all about—parents helping to give their children the best of both worlds,” says school director Patricia Yusah.

It’s usually a tug-of-war for first-time students and their folks, which is why parental participation is required, especially in reinforcing lessons, assisting in school activities, preparing snacks, and ensuring that kids make up for missed lessons or rehearsals.

“We understand that parents have to struggle to convince their children to give up Sunday afternoons to learn and be in another classroom environment,” Patricia says.

Fortunately for their parents, the kids get over the preliminary adamant stance and form friendships with other children, with whom they share, not just skin color or heritage, but similar issues in school or at home.

A lesson on volunteerism
Filling in big shoes, Patricia is taking over an 80-student school with the retirement of Cris Castro, the original founder and director who managed Iskwelahang Pilipino for 30 years until her retirement last year.

“We’re going through a transition period,” Patricia explains.

“Cris did a yeoman’s job in keeping the school together, and this time, the one-woman operation is spread among volunteers.”

Iskwelahang Pilipino relies mainly on volunteers, especially with annual fundraisers such as Christmas caroling and tea musicals that have kept the school running for three decades.

At Lowell Folk Festival, the school’s biggest fund-raiser, parents cook on the spot and children do the serving in the booth that has earned a reputation for having the longest line for two and a half days.

“Keeping everything coordinated is a learning process, but we plan to keep Iswelahang Pilipino going for another 30 years,” Patricia says with optimism.

Iskwelahang Pilipino
12 Mudge Way, Suite 124
Bedford, MA 01730, USA

Contact:
Patricia Yusah, director
E-mail: yusah@ipbahay.org

View the school’s official Website. More photos on Multiply.