As of the time of writing, we have been helping 225 girls return to school since launching our Manila Slum Program in Marytown in July 2024. These children are not only those who belong under the poverty line but also those who missed out on school to sell or beg in the streets for survival.

We are proud to share that after a full year of supporting Marytown, 5 beneficiaries graduated from 12th grade! For girls who were once on the street and had school as their last priority, this is a huge achievement for them and their families. Among the 5 of them, 3 will go to college due to city government scholarships, while the other two will already start working to support their families.

Graduating from high school is not easy, especially for young people living in slum areas. One of the most concerning problems in their community is unwanted teenage pregnancy. According to the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM), around 1 in 10 Filipino girls aged 15-19 have already started childbearing. Many of these cases are found in poor areas like the slums in Manila. Grade 11 and 12 students are at a high risk, especially when they are out of school or lack proper support.

Moreover, a lack of education could lead to fewer job opportunities, which could lead to financial desperation. The desperate are always the most vulnerable, making them attractive to human traffickers who would want to take advantage of their humanity.

This is why we ensure that we can keep these girls in school while we can. It may seem like a liability to families who do not prioritize their children’s education, but completing one’s studies always pays off. They are guided, surrounded by teachers and mentors, and they dream bigger. Education gives them a chance to choose a better life and to avoid problems like early pregnancy or human trafficking.

 

 

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Manila Slum Program Philippines