More Than Feeding:

Community-Led Nutrition
in Siargao Island, Philippines

In Siargao Island, Philippines, the Asia Lunchbox Fund is a community-based nutrition program that goes beyond daily meals. It helps children grow healthier, stay in school, and build lasting habits with families and local partners.

Built with local schools, parents, health partners, and community leaders, the program combines nutritious meals, practical workshops, and locally led solutions such as community kitchens and gardens.
This is our approach in Siargao: internationally supported, locally carried, and community-built from the start.

Program Reach in Siargao Island

Meals Distributed
0

Nutritious school meals served through our Nepal program.

Students Reached
0

Children supported through improved access to nutrition and school-based support.

Schools Engaged
0

Local schools partnering with us to deliver and strengthen the program.

Schools Engaged
Students Reached
Meals Distributed
Mother
Workshop

How It Works:

The Philippines nutrition program is designed as a community journey, not a one-time intervention. The program plan outlines three connected phases: serving lunch, capability-building for parents and students, and a sustainability phase built around a community garden and kitchen. This structure is reflected in the project roadmap for San Mateo and Abad Santos Elementary Schools.

Methodology in Action

Built With the Community, Designed for the Whole Child

In Siargao, this program is shaped by the people closest to it. Families, schools, local partners, and community leaders are part of how the model is built, strengthened, and sustained…

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The Cookbook in Action:
Local Knowledge on the Table

A Cookbook Rooted in Siargao, Written by Nanays

The cookbook is not an extra material added onto the program. It is one of the clearest expressions of how the Philippines model works.

Gana sa Isla Cookbook was prepared by mothers from Brgy. San Mateo Elementary School and Abad Santos Elementary School in Siargao Island…

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Read The Cookbook

What Lasting Impact Looks Like

From 2023 to January 2026, children’s weight-related nutrition improved, with more classified as normal and declines in obesity, overweight, and wasting. 

Children’s nutritional progress is tracked over time through baseline, midline, and endline comparisons.

Since the nutrition program was introduced in 2023, attendance increased in the first year and has remained consistently high in the succeeding periods.

Attendance is monitored as a direct indicator of children’s ability to stay engaged in school.

Attendance has steadily increased over time, supported by strong school–community collaboration and consistent monitoring of students’ nutritional status. These combined efforts contribute to the promotion of healthier lifestyles within the home.

Monthly workshops help track family engagement, knowledge-building, and household-level change.

Local Voices, Shared Impact

The strongest reflection of the program’s value comes from the people who experience it directly.
Partner Voice-Voice
Partner Voice2-Voice
School Voice-PH
Student Voice-Voice

Partner With Us

The Asia Lunchbox Fund in the Philippines is internationally supported and locally led in Siargao. We welcome donors who want to invest in a practical, community-based model of sustainable change.

By partnering with us, you can help:

Help local communities build a more sustainable nutrition model

Strengthen community kitchens and kitchen gardens

Support parents with practical nutrition knowledge

Provide nutritious meals to children who need them most

Program Reach
How It Works
The Cookbook
Methodology
Impact
Local Voices
Partner With Us

Interested in partnering with us?

Contact us at philippines@callsoverridges.org
to explore funding, collaboration, or strategic partnership opportunities.

Methodology in Action:​

Built With the Community, Designed for the Whole Child

In Siargao, this program is shaped by the people closest to it. Families, schools, local partners, and community leaders are part of how the model is built, strengthened, and sustained. This approach helps children and caregivers build healthier habits together, while strengthening local ownership over time.

Community at the Center

  • ● Parents are trained to cook, lead, and support the community kitchen.
  • ● Teachers help monitor attendance and support delivery.
  • ● Barangay leaders and local partners are engaged for long-term sustainability.

Workshops That Fit Real Life

  • ● Practical and locally relevant, not one-size-fits-all.
  • ● Covers nutrition, hygiene, mental health, parenting, and child well-being.
  • ● Uses simple storytelling, reflection, and reminders to make learning easier to carry into daily life.

“In crafting the roadmap for the Nutrition Program, the goal is to ensure it is community-centered, with interventions co-created and guided by the local context. Beyond providing meals for students, the program seeks to instill the value of healthy practices within the home, thereby influencing the broader community. Ultimately, this is how I see long-lasting impact.”

-Wyn Marie C. Gallo, Program Coordinator

Methodology in Action:​

Built With the Community, Designed for the Whole Child

In Siargao, this program is shaped by the people closest to it. Families, schools, local partners, and community leaders are part of how the model is built, strengthened, and sustained. This approach helps children and caregivers build healthier habits together, while strengthening local ownership over time.

Community at the Center

  • ● Parents are trained to cook, lead, and support the community kitchen.
  • ● Teachers help monitor attendance and support delivery.
  • ● Barangay leaders and local partners are engaged for long-term sustainability.

Workshops That Fit Real Life

  • ● Practical and locally relevant, not one-size-fits-all.
  • ● Covers nutrition, hygiene, mental health, parenting, and child well-being.
  • ● Uses simple storytelling, reflection, and reminders to make learning easier to carry into daily life.

“In crafting the roadmap for the Nutrition Program, the goal is to ensure it is community-centered, with interventions co-created and guided by the local context. Beyond providing meals for students, the program seeks to instill the value of healthy practices within the home, thereby influencing the broader community. Ultimately, this is how I see long-lasting impact.”

-Wyn Marie C. Gallo, Program Coordinator

The Cookbook in Action: Local Knowledge on the Table

The Cookbook in Action:
Local Knowledge on the Table

A Cookbook Rooted in Siargao, Written by Nanays

The cookbook is not an extra material added onto the program. It is one of the clearest expressions of how the Philippines model works.

Gana sa Isla Cookbook was prepared by mothers from Brgy. San Mateo Elementary School and Abad Santos Elementary School in Siargao Island. It brings together local knowledge, everyday cooking practice, and nutrition guidance in a format that families can actually use. The book itself describes this as a return to the home table — where mothers cook, serve, and share care through food — and presents cooking not only as a task, but as an act of care and connection. It is also written in a simple, accessible format, using local language alongside English, so it can be used within the community and appreciated beyond it.

What makes the cookbook especially meaningful is how practical and local it is. It shows families that nutritious meals do not need to begin with expensive or imported ingredients. They can begin with what is already available in Siargao. The cookbook includes a local ingredient guide, Tiangge de Siargao, which lists commonly used ingredients and prices, helping families think about nutrition in a way that is realistic and affordable.

It also goes beyond recipes. The cookbook includes reminders on healthy cooking and eating, encourages families to support local vegetables and fruits, use natural seasonings, prepare a variety of dishes, monitor family health, and join community gardens. In this way, it functions not only as a recipe book, but as a practical tool for behavior change.

The recipes themselves reflect the program’s local and nutrition-conscious approach. Dishes such as Chicken & Sotanghon Soup, Ginata-ang na Monggos, Ginisang Talbos ng Kamote, Kinilaw na Puso ng Saging sa Gata, Mixed Vegetables Fillet, and Sarsiadong Isda show how island ingredients can be turned into meals that are nourishing, familiar, and achievable for families.

Most importantly, the cookbook helps bridge today’s program work with tomorrow’s sustainability. As community kitchens and kitchen gardens continue to develop, Gana sa Isla Cookbook becomes a guide that parents and community leaders can keep using — not only to prepare meals, but to carry forward local food knowledge, healthier habits, and stronger community ownership over time.

Read The Cookbook

Every contribution is co-invested with local government — so each rupee you give is matched one by one.

  • 2500 per month support 2 students to continue their +2 education.
  • Rs. 5000 per month provides training to 2 teachers with interactive, child-centred methods.
  • Rs. 7000 per month keep the door of school Library open.
  • Rs. 10,000 keep 2 students fed at school for a year.

These are just examples of what your gift makes possible — give any amount that works for you. And because our program run year after year, a regular monthly gift is what helps most of all.

Donate via Fonepay! Steps to Follow

  1. Login to  your eSewa/IMEpay/CellPay/ UnionPay or Mobile Banking App.
  2. Scan this QR code on the scanner.
  3. Enter the amount you would like to donate.
  4. On the remarks, please enter your Name.
  5. Submit

Teacher Training Program

Empowering Teachers, Inspiring Learners

Getting children into the classroom is only the first step—ensuring they receive a quality education is what truly changes lives. In many public community schools across Nepal, classrooms rely on passive rote learning. We envision a vibrant education system where every child is engaged, curious, and active in their own learning journey.
Our Teacher Training Program supports public community school educators by replacing outdated teaching styles with interactive, child-centered, and low-cost learning methods. By giving teachers the tools, confidence, and ongoing mentorship they need, we transform daily lessons into exciting experiences that inspire students to stay in school and thrive.
How It Works: Our 5-Step Community Partnership
To ensure real, lasting transformation in the classroom, we work hand-in-hand with local schools and governments through a structured partnership:

  • Understanding Local Needs: We begin with classroom assessments to identify specific gaps in teaching skills and learning materials.
  • Shared Local Ownership: We partner with committed schools by securing a 50% local co-funding match from municipal governments (Palikas), ensuring community buy-in.
  • National Standard Alignment: Our training modules are strictly mapped to Nepal’s official Teacher Competency Domains and national education guidelines (CEHRD).
  • Formalizing Commitment: We sign clear agreements with school leaders, local authorities, and welfare bodies to keep everyone accountable.
  • Training & Ongoing Mentorship: Teachers complete 20 days of intensive annual training, followed by monthly coaching, classroom check-ins, and performance assessments to ensure new skills are put into practice.


Our Impact Across Districts
By investing in educators, we are creating a ripple effect that elevates entire school communities:

  • Khijidemba: 33 teachers trained across 24 schools, directly enriching the learning experience for 1,275+ students.
  • Jiri Municipality: 66 teachers trained across 6 schools, transforming classrooms for over 1,000+ students.
  • Gorkha District: Reached 20 public community schools and 5,846+ students, equipping 30 teachers.


Invest in the Heart of the Classroom
When you empower a teacher, you uplift every student who walks through their classroom door for years to come. Join us in building a brighter, more engaging future for rural education in Nepal.
“Great teaching doesn’t just pass exams—it sparks a lifelong love for learning.”

Invest in System Change

Literacy Enrichment Program

Inspiring Curiosity, Building Leaders

We envision vibrant rural classrooms where learning extends far beyond memorizing textbooks for exams. At Calls Over Ridges, we believe every child deserves the confidence, critical thinking skills, and curiosity needed to navigate a rapidly changing world.
Our Literacy Enrichment Program brings learning to life through reading, sports, music, and public speaking. By turning school holidays and free time into fun, meaningful learning opportunities, we help bridge learning gaps and keep children excited to stay in school—without disrupting their normal class schedules.
How It Works: Our 3 Community Pillars
To ensure these programs last for generations, we partner directly with committed local schools that invest a 30% local cost-share into every project:

  • Self-Sustaining Libraries: We build child-friendly libraries managed by local communities and supported through micro-subscriptions. This keeps books accessible long-term without depending on endless external aid.
  • Senior for Junior Mentorship: Grade 11 and 12 students are trained to mentor younger children (Grades 1–5). Using diagnostic tools, older youth lead fun, interactive reading and STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts, Math) sessions.
  • Gap-Bridging Skill Bootcamps: During school breaks, expert-led workshops in sports, music, and public speaking help children discover hidden talents, build self-confidence, and practice teamwork.

Our Growing Impact in Numbers
By creating spaces where reading and creativity can thrive, we are opening up new worlds for young readers:
Gorkha Municipality

  • 3 Community Libraries fully established and active.
  • 5,804 Books made available to spark imagination and a love for reading.
  • 17 Extracurricular Activities (ECA) engaging students in sports, public speaking, and the arts.

Jiri Municipality

  • 4 Community Libraries fully established and active.
  • 9,423 Books made available to spark imagination and a love for reading.
  • 21 Extracurricular Activities (ECA) engaging students in sports, public speaking, and the arts.


Partner With Us to Transform Rural Classrooms
When children gain confidence in their reading and public speaking, they stop feeling left behind and start dreaming big. Your partnership helps us build self-sustaining, vibrant educational communities that last.
“When you inspire a child’s curiosity today, you empower a leader for tomorrow.”

Invest in System Change

Nutrition Program

Nourishing Minds, Fueling Futures

No child in Nepal should ever have to choose between hunger and an education. At Calls Over Ridges Nepal, we envision healthy, junk-free schools where every student—from early childhood through Grade 12—is nourished, energized, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Our Nutrition Program doesn’t just serve healthy daily meals—it transforms schools into vibrant hubs of health. By teaching lifelong hygiene habits and sourcing fresh produce directly from local village farmers, we nourish our students while strengthening the local economy.
How We Make It Happen: Our 4-Pillar Approach
Aligned with national school meal policies (MoEST Guidelines), our program ensures safety, quality, and community ownership:
• Fresh, Local Sourcing: Meals are made with fresh, wholesome produce bought directly from local village farmers. This keeps meals nutritious, culturally familiar, and reinvests support straight back into local families..
• Shared Ownership: We partner closely with local municipalities and School Management Committees (SMC/LMC) to co-fund, manage daily kitchen operations, and keep the program running smoothly.
• Healthy Habits for Life: Mealtime is also learning time! Students practice daily handwashing, learn proper sanitation, and discover the importance of choosing fresh, real food over processed snacks.
• Quality & Safety First: Across all 38 target schools, we train school cooks, maintain strict hygiene standards, and conduct regular joint safety checks with local government officials.

Our Impact in Numbers
Providing hot, nutritious meals is keeping kids in school, improving health, and rallying whole communities:
• Gorkha: Supporting 5,846 students with an 85% attendance rate and over 1.18 million lunches served! By partnering with 22 local farmers, we’ve helped eliminate malnutrition (0 cases in recent data) and raised nutrition awareness among 68.8% of parents across 19 schools.
• Jiri Municipality: Nourishing 1,146 students with a fantastic 91.42% attendance rate and over 100,000 lunches served so far, while expanding healthy homemade lunch awareness to local parents..
• Khijidemba Rural Municipality: Serving 1,275 students with over 151,000 lunches distributed and achieving a 73% attendance rate, with 73% of parents in 7 schools actively learning about healthy meal prep.

Together, We Are Building Healthier Communities
When a child is well-fed, they can focus, play, and dream big. Your support helps us keep classrooms full, kitchens cooking, and local farms thriving.
“A healthy meal today fuels the leaders, thinkers, and builders of tomorrow.”

Invest in System Change

School Bus Program

Safe Rides to Access Learning

For many children in rural Nepal, getting an education means enduring a grueling, multi-hour walk to school every single day. Exhausting journeys through harsh weather and difficult terrain lead to low attendance, missed classes, and early dropouts.
Our School Bus Program changes everything. By providing safe, reliable, and affordable transportation, we replace risky daily walks with a comfortable ride—ensuring students arrive healthy, energized, and ready to learn.
Built to Last: A 10-Year Community Model
We believe in long-term solutions, not temporary fixes. Designed alongside local leaders and national guidelines, every school bus operates under a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure lasting impact:

  • Initial Setup: COR Nepal provides the initial financial investment and technical support to launch the bus service.
  • Local Management: Schools and municipal partners manage daily operations and route planning.
  • Full Self-Sufficiency: Over time, local government and community leadership assume full ownership, keeping the service running sustainably for future generations.

What started with 5 school buses has grown into a vital lifeline for hundreds of children!

Real Impact in Our Communities
By turning long, exhausting walks into safe daily journeys, our buses give students back their time to study, rest, and play:

  • Gorkha District: 2 school buses currently in operation, serving over 277 students daily.
  • Jiri: 3 school buses currently in operation, serving over 272 students daily.


Together, We Are Building Lasting Infrastructure
When distance no longer stands between a child and their classroom, the door to opportunity swings wide open.
“A safe ride to school today builds a stronger community tomorrow.”

Invest in System Change

Scholarship Program

Opening Doors to Bright Futures

At Calls Over Ridges Nepal, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to finish their higher secondary education (+2) without financial worry standing in their way.
Paying for high school can put a heavy pressure on families, leading many promising students to drop out early. Our Scholarship Program changes that by taking off the financial pressure so students can focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and graduating.
How Our Scholarship Works: The 50/50 Incentive Model
To support families immediately while encouraging students to finish their studies, our scholarship is divided into two parts:

  • 50% Direct Cash Support: Delivered directly to students and their families to help pay for day-to-day school expenses, books, supplies, and monthly needs.
  • 50% Secured Graduation Deposit: Placed safely into the school’s bank account and held until the student successfully completes their +2 education.

This model serves as a huge milestone motivator! It gives students and families a clear target, ensuring that over 270+ students stay motivated to graduate and unlock their reserved funds upon completing their final exams and receipting school leaving certificate.

Our Impact in the Community
Every graduate represents a life changed and a family supported. Here is how our scholarship is making a real difference across local communities:

  • Gorkha: Supporting young scholars since 2018, with 20 graduates already stepping into brighter futures.
  • Jiri: Since 2019, we have helped students reach the finish line, celebrating 18 graduates to date.
  • Khijidemba: Launched in 2022, enrolling 36 students and celebrating our first 5 graduates (with many more to come!).


Together, We Are Building a Better Tomorrow
When you support a student’s education, you aren’t just helping one child—you are lifting up an entire family and strengthening a community.
“Education is the most powerful tool to break barriers, build confidence, and create lasting change.”

Invest in System Change