Our Story

From Devastation to Education

How it all began.

The Beginning

Where it all started

On 8 November 2013, Super Typhoon Haiyan — one of the most powerful tropical storms ever recorded — made landfall in the Philippines. With sustained winds of over 300 km/h, it devastated entire communities across the Visayas region. The small coastal barangay of Sulangan, in Eastern Samar, was among the hardest hit.

Homes were flattened, schools were destroyed, and families lost everything. In the aftermath, while international aid focused on larger cities like Tacloban, remote communities like Sulangan were largely overlooked. Children had nowhere to learn, and the infrastructure needed to support their education had been swept away.

It was in this context that our founder, moved by what she witnessed first-hand, decided to act. What began as a personal response to the disaster grew into something much larger — a sustained effort to rebuild not just buildings, but futures.

In 2014, Project Sulangan was formally established as a registered charity in England and Wales. The mission was clear: to support education in the communities that needed it most, starting with the barangay that gave the charity its name.

Who We Are

The people behind the mission

Project Sulangan was founded by someone who witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of Typhoon Haiyan on communities in Eastern Samar. A passion for education and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn has driven the charity from its earliest days. Over the years, multiple trips to the Philippines have built deep relationships with local schools, teachers, and community leaders — ensuring the charity's work has lasting impact.

Project Sulangan has been supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, both in the UK and on the ground in the Philippines. Local community members, teachers, and barangay officials have been integral partners in delivering supplies, coordinating projects, and ensuring resources reach the children who need them.

Milestones

Our journey

2013

Typhoon Haiyan Strikes

Super Typhoon Haiyan devastates the Philippines in November. The barangay of Sulangan in Eastern Samar is among the worst affected communities.

2014

Charity Founded

Project Sulangan is formally registered as a charity in England and Wales. First visits to affected schools begin, assessing needs and building relationships with local communities.

2015

First School Supplies Delivered

Hundreds of books, school supplies, and educational materials delivered to Sulangan Elementary School and surrounding communities.

2016

Expanding Reach

Support extends to additional schools in the region — Barbo Elementary School receives supplies and resources as the charity's network grows.

2017+

Ongoing Support

Continued delivery of educational materials, IT equipment, and learning resources. Building lasting relationships with the communities and ensuring sustainable impact for future generations.

See What We've Achieved

Explore the schools and communities we've supported across Eastern Samar.

View Our Impact