We recently met with Faye, Pat, and Kyrie—three young leaders from our Manila Slum Program in Marytown—to pick their brains about their idea of a progressive community.
We asked them to describe what it would look like, and they gave us truly illuminating answers. To them, a progressive community is where people are united, essential services are easily accessible, is built on good and trustworthy leadership, and has available employment opportunities for everyone.
Hearing them describe their ideal communities, we cannot help but think that these answers come from their desire for better governance. True enough, they began to describe the challenges they saw around them: corruption and selfishness. The Filipino people have been recently organizing against corruption, brought about by the misuse of flood control funds. It has become clear that their aspirations are brought about by the frustrations they experience from their own leaders. Before wrapping up, we left them with a question to ponder on amongst themselves: “What is the role of the youth in your community?”
As we parted ways, we could not help but admire these young women for their hearts and minds to think and feel beyond themselves. As a next step, we will be holding our first MSP leadership sessions for these girls, and they will invite their friends to join too. This initiative could help them with their personal growth, strengthen their relationships with their families, and make a lasting impact in their communities.
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.
