Executive Summary

Hungry Traveler Street Schools of Iloilo, Philippines is a not-for-profit organization. HTSS is being formed to provide unique and meaningful schooling for all children, (especially those in impoverished conditions) to educate children in the arts, and to build a lifelong foundation as an engaged citizen of the world. We plan to offer a dynamic and constantly-evolving program. Although we plan to incorporate some of the core subjects into our program, our focus in the present will be the fine arts not taught in elementary schools. Most activities will be open-ended and enjoyed on a walk-in basis. HTSS will be staffed by working volunteers and all structured activities will be led by these same individuals.

Evidence demonstrates that children with high levels of education outperform "arts-poor" students by virtually every measure. The arts, specifically, provide young people with authentic learning experiences that engage their minds, hearts, and bodies. Arts education helps students learn; it can enhance creativity, self-discipline, and the skills and confidence necessary to meet the challenges encountered during their lives. It is a symbiotic nature to which core subjects bind and are easily implemented into young minds; children are naturally artistic. It is only when they become older, that artistic preferences become refined.

We are seeking funding for initial start-up costs to be used for administrative purposes, rent and related expenses such as retrofitting or installations for older buildings, and office equipment and materials. Distribution of materials and leadership shall be held in quarterly meetings members can attend. Leaders shall be chosen solely on approval of applications to the Founder through submission of essay and bio-data. Tenure shall be kept through positive field results, not elections.

We estimate that 10% of our funding will be donated by the Founder on a monthy basis. The remaining 90% of HTSS annual revenue will be generated by the following: The writing of proposals to secure grants from foundations. The solicitation of individuals, corporations, and small businesses. An annual large-scale benefit concert on Independence Day. A variety of small-scale fundraising activities to engage the community.

Objectives

HTSS objectives during the first year of business are:

Find a decent venue and establish a public meeting location. Possible locations are UP campus, UMW buiding in Dulonan, South Fundidor, and lastly, the Assumption High School campus. Administrative duties will be conducted at the Founder's place of residence in Villa, Arevalo to lower general operating costs. To generate earned revenue from a combination of admission fees from outreach and special events. To secure new funding sources including foundation grants, government grants, and corporate donations. To serve 1,500 children throughout the Greater Iloilo area in our outreach schooling programs.

Mission

The mission of HTSS is to encourage children of all ages to develop their full creative potential through the visual and performing arts. HTSS strives, through the fine arts, to create a unique environment in which children of all ages, abilities, and experience can feel free to imagine, create, and welcome the arts into their lives. HTSS provides a professional work environment that is challenging, rewarding, creative, and respectful of ideas and individuals.