Ricky is getting used to formatting laptops. The 21-year old already knows his way with operating systems, software, and key combinations. He has been one of Childhope’s go-to persons whenever its laptops needed fixing.
Ricky is on his 3rd year pursuing a degree in Information Technology (I.T.). He continues to be fascinated with how computers work and the different data and software. He is very determined to explore how he can use technology to his advantage.
Ricky still has more to learn, but he has gone a long way. He used to be a street child who would go to PISO-NETs (computer shops where people can use a computer for a peso) around Pier 15 South Harbor Manila just so he can use a computer.
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Steven and John are alike in many ways. They are both studying in high school, and are very determined to pursue their dreams. It seems like a long shot, but they are holding onto a promise that there is life outside the streets.
Steven and John both have mothers who try to make ends meet by selling peanuts around Lawton in Manila.
“Pagkatapos ng klase, diretso na ako kay Mama para tulungan siya magtinda. Kumikita si Mama ng mga P400 sa isang araw, hanga ako sa kanya kasi kahit anong hirap, hindi niya kami pinababayaang magkakapatid (After my classes, I go home to help my mother sell peanuts. She earns around P400 a day. I admire her because despite the hardships, she is doing her best to take care of us,” said 16 year-old John.
John is proud of his mother because despite their poverty, she is able to raise seven children. John says he is torn between choosing a career in engineering or accountancy. Either way, he will try to finish with flying colors and help his family.
Steven and his family live under a bridge. Despite this reality, Steven is hopeful that he and his family will be living in a decent home someday.
“Minsan po nakakapagod kapag naiisip ang mga problema, pero hindi naman po kami susuko. Magaaral po ako para maging accountant at makatulong sa pamilya (I get frustrated when I think about the problems, but I won’t give up. I will study hard so I can be an accountant and help my family),” said Steven.
MOBILE EDUCATION: BRINGING THE SCHOOL TO STREET CHILDREN
Before they entered formal school, Steven and John learned while they were on the streets. Not having a classroom was not a problem at all.
A dedicated team of teachers and social workers has been bringing the school to the poor children of Manila.
It can be at a park, near the rail tracks, inside the church or even on sidewalks, parking lots, and warehouses. These places are being converted into places of learning for hundreds of street children who cannot afford to go to formal schools.
Childhope Asia Philippines’ alternative education sessions seek to make a difference in the lives of street kids, by giving them the chance to read, write, and learn. The program gives street children opportunities to earn grade school and high school certificates accredited by the Education Department even though they are not in school.
“More than teaching the street kids the basics of reading and writing, our street educators also instill in them the values they need so they can grow up to be caring, confident, responsible, and resilient men and women,” said Childhope Asia’s executive director Dr. Herbert Carpio.
Street educators ensure that lessons are holistic. They use modules to teach street children about a wide-range of lessons: from the importance of sanitation and proper hygiene; good morals and character, the need to protect themselves from getting into substance abuse and drugs, to their rights and responsibilities as children.
“We use our mobile education vans so street children can experience an interactive kind of learning. We let them watch videos, and engage them through activities like storytelling, games, and other ways to enhance and develop their skills,” Carpio said.
From January to August 2016, more than 400 street children participated in Childhope Asia’s alternative learning sessions. Thirty seven of Childhope Asia’s beneficiaries are also now in formal school, most of them are doing well in elementary and high school, and nine of them are finishing their courses. All 37 are being supported by Childhope through its education assistance program.
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The Power of Perseverance
This is PJ.
He is a machinist. He dreams of creating two things: (1) metal parts that will make people’s lives easier: (2) a brighter future for his family.
Many years ago, PJ never would have thought that his life would turn out the way it has today. Floods, hunger, homelessness, broken relationships, and worthlessness were just some hurdles he had to deal with growing up. But despite all these, he persevered. He wouldn’t have gotten this far if he hadn’t.
Life through hopeful eyes
When PJ was a child, he used to roam around the streets all day. He would get up bright and early to help his mom out with her store, and then would eventually resort to begging from people, just so he and his family could have enough to eat for the day. Instead of focusing on his studies, he was compelled to play the role of a father because his real father and stepfather failed to do so.
Everything changed when one of PJ’s friends introduced him to Childhope. At first, PJ was a bit reluctant to join because he couldn’t grasp why strangers would waste their time helping kids like him. He was also a bit frightened that they might arrest him and the other kids for loitering in the streets.
His life finally changed for the better.
Once he finally joined Childhope, he began to realize the importance of education, and soon decided to make something of himself. Seeing his sudden and vast improvement, one of Childhope’s Japanese donors decided to help him out by providing him with a better place to stay, in exchange of him becoming their guide and bodyguard in the Philippines.
After a year, his social worker asked him to apply for a scholarship in a prestigious school in the Philippines. He passed the exam, and was granted a full scholarship. Despite that, however, he was often mocked by his peers and teachers for not having a good command of the English language.
This didn’t stop him from persevering.
PJ decided to use these very people as motivation to succeed. And soon enough, those who once criticized him realized what he was capable of. This was when PJ learned that there will always be people who will try to bring you down, but the best revenge is to not allow them to put out your spark, but to instead shine even brighter than you ever did.
Despite being quite busy with school, PJ still found time to give back to the community. Every weekend, he would go out of his way to teach kids. He mentioned that seeing the joy on their faces once they finally understood their lessons was more than enough to motivate him to help them even further.
It was soon time for college.
His hard work all these years paid off when Propeller Club Manila provided him with an opportunity to apply for a full scholarship. Among 400 exam takers, only 25 got in. And he was one of them. Childhope helped him out as well by providing him with a daily allowance to manage his other expenses.
A New Beginning
PJ has finally graduated from college! He is now working for Childhope as a street educator, and in a few months, he will begin his new life at sea. Everyone here at Childhope is extremely proud of him. He proved to the world that you are the sole creator of your future; you are the only one who has the ability to create a life that would make you genuinely happy.
“I don’t just want to make my life better, but my family’s as well.” More than anything, PJ wants to put an end to his mom’s struggles. He hopes to someday fulfill all of her dreams and give her the life she truly deserves. Realizing the importance of education, PJ also wants to help his nephews with their fees in school, so that they could someday have a bright future as well.
“By not giving up in the face of adversity, I assure you that you will become stronger.” PJ wants all street children to realize that they can only live a life worth living when they finally decide to face all of their fears and take the first step forward.
Life has definitely been difficult for a street child like PJ. The people around him knew that he wasn’t responsible for his situation, and so they decided to help him create the future he rightfully deserves. And, well, they succeeded!
Just imagine, if every single one of us helps all these underprivileged children, just like how the people in PJ’s life did, soon enough, we might, just possibly, break this cycle of poverty. Don’t you think so, as well?
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