Our Manila Slum Program (MSP) helps alleviate poverty by supporting the schooling of children from vulnerable communities in Manila. Beneficiaries receive monthly financial support, and the program organizes regular meetings and seminars with the parents to ensure that they are part of their children’s education. The seminars cover important topics such as OSAEC (Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children) awareness and online safety. In the future, seminars about good parenting will be conducted, as guided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Parenting Effectiveness Service (PES).
Anika*, a 10th-grader, is one of our program beneficiaries. Just recently, she served as the emcee of our Children’s Day Celebration. It’s been a while since we met her, and we cannot help but feel in awe of how involved she is with our activities. She is always present in our youth sessions, confidently sharing her ideas and expressing herself among her peers. She also served as her barangay’s representative in her community’s youth leadership sessions.
Behind her active demeanor lies a background that almost dulled her shine. She comes from a poor family of five, with her father physically disabled and unable to work, and her mother taking on any job just to put food on the table and afford her father’s medical needs. With her father’s condition alone, it was already difficult to prioritize one kid, let alone two more.
When we met Anika, she was thrilled to join the program and knew exactly what kind of opportunity was being handed to her. Since then, she saved up the allowance we gave her and budgeted it thoroughly to attend school consistently. Now a 10th grader, she beams with pride—not taking for granted every opportunity that education opens up for her.
She also joined a children’s summit where she met the City Mayor! Meeting a respected leader in her local community inspired her even more! Her role as a youth leader is a great start in becoming a future leader of her community. Next year, she looks forward to guiding the next generation of youth leaders—hopefully inspiring them to build confidence in the same way hers was built before!
*Name changed for privacy.
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.
