Meet Marcy Goma of Abaka Foundation in East and West Valley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcy Goma.

Marcy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2012, I came together to talk about the possibility of creating a Filipino class with my Friend Leda Fabian where our children could learn Tagalog, learn about their culture, and be outdoors as they learn the heritage. Marcy wanted her daughter to learn about their rich history and heritage! We both envisioned a learning environment that would “fill the gaps” of their formal school education.

We also recognized the power of learning in the community and so the idea of the Abaka Foundation was born. In 2015 Abaka Foundation was granted a 501-c3 status by the IRS and because Abaka Foundation offers a unique after school/weekend program. We teach them the Filipino language play instruments… You can find us on our website: www.abakafoundation.org

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No.. Never a smooth road and still not. Budget, there is no funding up to now. I cannot seem to find a grant to help us to keep going. Most of our students are of lower income families. So to get them to our school is tough. I have to pick up and drop them off.

Please tell us about the organization.
Our mission is to celebrate the diversity of cultures and experience to bring people together to foster learning, understanding and compassion for all people!! Abaka Foundation hopes to help spread interest, understanding and reclaiming of Filipino language, culture, music and land based tradition to the future generation of children from all cultural backgrounds as we continue to serve all families and the underserved families in PHOENIX metropolitan area. Our classes are free and we welcome everyone. (the Filipino language is a combination of different languages, from English, Spanish and Japanese.)

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Learn how to get a grant first…

Contact Info:

• Address: 1221 E Drake Dr.
  Tempe, Arizona
  Classes : Every Saturday from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
• Website: www.abakafoundation.org
• Phone: 6026772968
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: abakafoundation
• Facebook: abakafoundation
• Twitter: Abaka
• Yelp: Abaka
• Other: Abaka

Image Credit:
Ihman Esturco photography

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