NaFFAA empowers youth through education on Philippine history

But as students prepare to hit the books, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, or NaFFAA, is trying to find a way for Filipino students to be empowered.

One of the ways NaFFAA is building for the future is getting the youth involved especially on the topic of education.

During the national empowerment conference earlier this month, educators from Teach for America held this K-thru-12 education workshop, highlighting the need to know Philippine history and the teachings of important historical figures like national hero, Doctor Jose P. Rizal.

“Know history-know self, no history-no self — that quote has shaped and stayed with me for a very long time, since I learned it in undergrad, my understanding of myself has been an incredible journey it has helped me better understand, how I want to support the community around me,” says Justin Tandingan.

This workshop hopes to lay the foundation for a larger nationwide push, in bringing Filipino identity into classrooms, a history often left out in the mainstream.

“It took me decades to realize my own people also had a revolutionary history but I didn’t get that in K thru 12,” said Godfrey Plata.

In recent years, California has taken steps to include more contributions of Filipinos in history books, from the Delano Manongs to the Filipino World War Two Veterans.

For young Filipinos its a cause they believe and hope to play a role in pushing in as they consider careers in education.

“Education is incredibly important and education throughout the entire country comes in different ways shapes and forms, California being more progressive,” says Zachary Anciano.

Until then the workshop is a launching pad, bringing together different generations of Filipinos, as they look back on the past to educate the future.