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).
Before we met Minnie, her family often struggled to meet their daily needs. She has two siblings, and her mother sells fruits to provide for them. For a family with only one breadwinner and 4 members, selling fruits could never be enough. They could only survive every day, and going to school was only a dream that she and her siblings could wish for.
Since Minnie joined MSP, her life has changed in meaningful ways. We were able to cover her basic school needs, so her mother no longer has to worry about expenses. Because of that, she was able to attend school consistently. Not only was she able to show up, but she also graduated from elementary school last year! Now in 7th grade, Minnie tells us that she is enjoying her classes and is very eager to keep learning
Now that she has been regularly attending school, what’s next for Minnie? She has been doing well in school, and not only that—she is also beginning to grow as a young leader! This year, she was elected as her barangay’s child representative! This role not only shows how much her community trusts her, but it also shows how much optimism she holds. With the help of a former MSP child representative from Ronas Garden, Minnie is learning the ropes to take on responsibility with confidence.
In the future, we are looking forward to seeing Minnie more confident and perhaps showing another younger girl how it’s done. But in the meantime, we let time work its way as she blossoms into the leader she is meant to be.
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.
