Al Santoli & the Asia America Initiative

Nominated by: Hji. Eufremio N. Canaria, Tiffany B. and two anonymous OneWorlders (on the OneWorld blog)

As head of the Asia America Initiative (AAI), a OneWorld partner that works to build peace and security through community development, Al Santoli has opened schools, revitalized healthcare systems, and acted as a peace broker for some of the most intense conflicts in Southeast Asia.

AAI Director Al Santoli mediates with Moro National Liberation Front guerilla leaders © Asia America Initiative

In April's "Preventing Genocide" edition of Perspectives, Santoli described to OneWorlders how he helped head off warfare on the island province of Sulu after U.S. forces came "hunting for terrorists" in the autonomous Filipino region late in 2005.

But Santoli's peace-building efforts do not end with conflict negotiation. Over the four years he spent in the region, Santoli's relationships with local leaders, built from a foundation of mutual respect, have helped revitalize the once war-torn community.

In January Santoli visited the region to further peace relations with guerilla leaders through the expansion of education programs and the creation of cooperatives for local fisherman and farmers.

Santoli with students at Bakud elementary in the Philippines in June. © Asia America Initiative

Then, in March, AAI reported that 26,000 children were enrolled in their "Model of Excellence" public schools and that the graduation rate had doubled to 70 percent, helping to fill the desperate need for educational opportunities that community leaders had described to Santoli when he first arrived in 2002.

Furthermore, reports Santoli, the schools have brought together children from various clans and families, a motivation for non-violence in the community, and evidence of the Tausug people's determination to continue the peace efforts wrought by Santoli and AAI.

Quotes from OneWorlders nominating Santoli:

"His success, through his dedication in the efforts for peace and the development of the Asia America Initiative, has inspired many people who once thought it was not possible to create peaceful solutions and economic development in an area known for its poverty, violence and almost non-existent healthcare. [He] created a future for these people who once felt abandoned by the rest of the world. I applaud Al Santoli and feel hopeful for our own future due to his success against many odds!"
"The development for Peace program is one of the few true successes in the international struggle to deter terrorism....Mr Santoli has put his own life on the line to prove that there is a common human bond that can unite people of different backgrounds, languages and religions when they work together to address basic human needs."
"When I think of all the selfless people in the world, Al Santoli is at the top of my list. Al Santoli single handedly started the Asia America Initiative with only a prayer and a few personal pennies. Al's mission was to deliver hope, peace and sustenance to an area that was war-torn and physically and emotionally battered by the corruption of its enemies. Al faced an uphill battle. He was virtually penniless; he put his career, family and life on hold to take on a mission that, to most, would have seemed hopeless. Al had support from his friends and loved ones and perhaps this along with his personal drive is what motivates him to continue his mission."

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User comments

"I vote for Al Santoli"

Author:

Time: 08.02.2007 09:25

Comment: Al Santoli is a man with courage and confident to himself, for he confronted all the sacrifices inspite of his uncondition body just to gain the so called DEVELOPMENT FOR PEACE IN SULU of his mission. At first, their program was American Foreign Policy Council until its promoted to Asia America Initiative. Santoli is very supportive, he make a bridge between Moro National Liberation Front and military forces to make peace with each other.

Hence, Sir Al's had many accomplishment; like school buildings, scholarship grant to both high school and college level, giving a reading materials to all adopted schools, and livelihood programs to the poor once.

Indeed, I solute Mr. Santoli for giving his effort and services to the people of Mindanao.

Good luck!!

"I vote for Al Santoli"

Author: raihana musaddin

Time: 08.02.2007 08:06

Comment: I vote for Al Santoli because he helped a lot of people in the Philippines particularly in Mindanao Region. by means of providing Scholarship programs, livelihood programs, school buildings, reading materials, and other support services. Our Province is one of the recipient of this tangible programs being given by Al Santoli and his Company. As an evidence in the development in educational endeavor, I have witness myself the result of the efforts of Mr. Santoli being shared through the communities by most people in our province, The Province of Sulu.

furthermore, through his initiatives, many school children have enjoyed much opportunity for education, and many out-of-school youth enrolled in the livelihood program to help them become more equipt in their pursuit for living.

to this end, i do give my nod to Mr. Santoli for his untiring supports and effort given to us.

Good luck to him!