Sisters of Mary School of Banneux, Inc.

Site Address:

Biga II

Silang

Cavite

4118

Philippines

, ,

Location Details

Description

The Sisters of Mary School is a Catholic institution committed to providing quality education and holistic formation to underprivileged youth. Founded to break the cycle of poverty through education, the school offers a nurturing environment where students receive not only academic instruction but also moral, spiritual, and practical life skills training. Rooted in faith and service, the Sisters of Mary School empowers its students to become responsible, competent, and compassionate individuals who will uplift their families and communities through hard work, integrity, and love for God and others.

Student Role

Students will immerse themselves in the daily life and mission of the Sisters of Mary Schools, working closely with youth from underprivileged backgrounds who are receiving holistic education and technical-vocational training. Their primary role will be to assist in educational enrichment activities, including classroom support, English conversation sessions, and co-curricular or skills-training workshops that promote confidence, leadership, and personal growth among the students. They will also engage in mentoring interactions and informal community-building activities that foster meaningful relationships and cultural exchange. In addition, students may assist in documentation tasks such as preparing learning materials, compiling stories of impact, and supporting ongoing school initiatives or events. These individual responsibilities will not exceed 8–10 hours per week. Overall, the experience is designed to help them witness and contribute to the transformative power of education, service, and faith-based community life.

Work Schedule

Students will follow the regular school schedule of the Sisters of Mary Schools, engaging in on-site activities from Monday to Friday, approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with an hour allotted for lunch and short breaks throughout the day. Their daily schedule will include participation in academic support, student mentoring, co-curricular activities, and community or formation programs, depending on the school calendar and ongoing projects. Saturdays may occasionally include special school activities or outreach programs where student participation would be encouraged but not mandatory. Sundays are generally reserved for rest, reflection, and personal time, allowing students the opportunity to participate in community worship or cultural experiences if they wish. This schedule ensures a full-time, immersive engagement of approximately 35–40 hours per week, providing a balanced experience of structured service, reflection, and community life.

Orientation

Before arrival, students will participate in a virtual orientation via Zoom to be introduced to the Sisters of Mary Schools’ mission, history, and charism, as well as an overview of the school’s programs and the community they will serve. This pre-departure session will also cover expectations for conduct, cultural sensitivity, and the values that guide our work with youth from underprivileged backgrounds. Upon arrival, students will join a two-part in-person orientation at the school site. The first part will focus on campus familiarization, community life, safety protocols, and an introduction to the staff, teachers, and student leaders they will be working with. The second part will involve hands-on training and shadowing sessions to help them understand their specific roles in academic support, mentoring, and co-curricular engagement. Throughout the first week, they will receive continuous guidance from their designated site supervisor and assigned mentors to ensure a smooth transition into the daily rhythm of school and community life.

Housing Information

Students will be accommodated on-site within the Sisters of Mary Schools campus, allowing them to experience life in a safe, structured, and community-oriented environment. They will reside in designated guest areas or dormitory facilities that are comfortable, secure, and conducive to meaningful interaction with the school community while maintaining their privacy and personal space. Room arrangements vary: some rooms can accommodate a maximum of two persons, while others are dormitory-type rooms that can accommodate six to eight persons. All rooms are equipped with basic furnishings such as beds, desks, and storage space. Shared bathrooms and shower facilities are located within the same building and are regularly maintained to ensure cleanliness and convenience. Accommodations are not coeducational; male and female visitors are housed in separate facilities. The living environment reflects the values of simplicity, respect, and community spirit that characterize the Sisters of Mary. Residents are expected to observe modesty in dress, courtesy in speech, and consideration for others in shared spaces. Meals will be served in the school dining hall, and students are welcome to participate in community prayer, recreation, and cultural exchange activities. As the Sisters of Mary Schools rely solely on charitable donations to sustain their programs and support students from underprivileged backgrounds, there will be accommodation costs for visiting students. These costs are meant only to help defray the expenses of housing, meals, and utilities, as all available donations are reserved exclusively for the education and welfare of our beneficiary students.

Spanish Language Proficiency

N/A

Other Language Proficiencies

Yes, the Sisters of Mary Schools would greatly benefit from having students who are proficient in Spanish, German, and Nihongo (Japanese). These languages are increasingly important for our own students who are preparing for possible employment opportunities with international companies or overseas partners. NDBridge students proficient in these languages may provide language training sessions, conversation practice, or cultural exchange activities to help our learners build basic communication skills and confidence. This contribution would directly support our goal of equipping underprivileged youth with globally relevant skills while fostering mutual understanding and cross-cultural appreciation.

Background Check

CPR Training, Child Protection/Working with Youth Training, Safe Environment Training

Drivers License

No

Student Preferences

Students assigned to the Sisters of Mary Schools will benefit from having a strong sense of adaptability, openness to cultural diversity, and a genuine desire to engage with youth from underprivileged backgrounds. Because they will be immersed in a structured school community that emphasizes discipline, simplicity, and service, it is important that they demonstrate flexibility, maturity, and a collaborative spirit in working with both students and staff. Helpful academic interests include education, social sciences, development studies, psychology, communication, and technical or digital skills. Competence in public speaking, mentoring, and facilitating group activities would be valuable, especially when leading student learning sessions or workshops. Technological proficiency particularly in basic computer applications, multimedia documentation, or digital learning tools would also be an asset. Above all, the most essential quality is a heart for service and a sincere commitment to learning from and journeying with the community in the spirit of compassion, humility, and solidarity.