The 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.
We are happy to share the experience of a child beneficiary and her mother, and how our program has slowly yet positively seeped into their lives.
Bea* just graduated from 6th grade! An important milestone for completing half of her basic education. When we met her and her mother, Jenny*, they were not in a good place. Her father is an addict and left her, her mother, and her sibling by themselves. The program has been an excellent form of help because Bea was able to receive an allowance that helped her stay in school and attend classes regularly. While in school, her mother can now work and provide for their family’s daily needs.
While we are proud of Bea for her milestone, it is not without the great strength of her mother. It hasn’t been easy for Jenny since her husband left. She has been the sole provider for their household, and it can feel overwhelming at times. She applied and got accepted to work as a cashier, an honest and dignified job that provides stability in their home. Even when balancing work and household duties, Jenny still makes time to attend our seminars and meetings. In those meetings, we talk about responsible parenting and other issues they should be aware of for children like Bea.
These are just two of the lived realities of children like Bea and mothers like Jenny. As they survive their everyday, they at least know that their MSP community is looking out for them and rooting for their growth, stability, and joy every day.
*Names 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.
