Our Manila Slum Program (MSP) helps alleviate poverty by supporting the schooling of children from vulnerable communities in Manila. Last month, we invited Joanna and Vic who currently work as Marketing Executive and Research Manager respectively. Both are graduates of one of the most coveted top universities in the country, the University of the Philippines. They talked to high school students of the Slum Program at our new center.
Joanna and Vic looked back and shared their experiences, hopes, and challenges in preparing for college as students. Both shared that they were financially challenged with little to no budget for college tuition. They shared a touching anecdote about how they overcame this challenge by persevering in their studies, looking and applying for scholarships, and maximizing their educational options by applying to different schools.
The students also shared the degree programs they want, and the work they envision for themselves and asked for advice. Joanna and Vic encouraged the students to continue hoping and dreaming. And that despite their respective challenges, they must make their hopes and dreams as motivation to keep pushing forward. It was a highly motivating and meaningful time for everyone. To Joanna and Vic, it felt like a full-circle moment in their lives—to the students, this signals a beginning to pursue their dreams by working hard to make them come true. We will continue to hold these discussions by inviting more professionals to guide, counsel, and support our beneficiaries with their educational journey.
Our Partners
Be a Part of the Solution
We need 10 people or families each willing to donate USD 3,500 | AUD 5,000 per year for 3 years to start in a new community. Help us provide education and support to children and families in Manila’s slum communities.
With your support, we can stop the “slum story” with this generation of children.
