Education Philippines Project #33682

Send Vulnerable Filipino Children to School

by Fundacion Ponferrada Van Stone (FPVI)

Summary

Opportunities for schooling taken for granted elsewhere are not always available to children in remote rural areas in the Philippines. FPVI enables vulnerable high school-age children in Tunga, the smallest town in Leyte, to continue with their schooling by helping with school-related costs, plus mentoring & monitoring of their general well-being. In this pandemic time, FPVI provides them with tools for online group tutorials & activities, & projects in aid of mental & emotional wellness.

$65,000
total goal

$10,730
remaining

140
donors

3
monthly donors

11
fundraisers

4
years

Challenge

A major consequence of super typhoon Haiyan that struck Leyte, Philippines in 2013 & caused total loss of viable farming was the mass movement of adults to the cities to look for work. Children were abandoned; many dropped out of school. Seven years later, families reliant on farming & daily wage labor continue to struggle, making the children's education a low priority in the family's economy. Under the pandemic, a new set of tough challenges has presented itself to already struggling families.

Solution

In pre-pandemic time, FPVI provided its Fellows with weekly mentoring sessions from volunteer teachers. FPVI also nurtured & helped them support each other to foster a sustained sense of belonging. During pandemic time, FPVI provides them not only with academic support but also & more importantly support for their emotional & mental well-being. The FPVI Program aims to ensure that children in its care thrive even in challenging situations & become productive young adults & citizens.

Long-Term Impact

By receiving the opportunity to finish high school, FPVI Fellows can pursue college education or train for a vocational skill. Education & training will increase their chances of earning a good livelihood or getting a job that will make them productive members of the community. Living in adverse times & situations also develops their resiliency for what FPVI helps them to be in the future - to act in a support capacity to other children who may need the assistance they themselves have received.