Uplift Education in the Philippines

Dear Supporters,

In our last update, we celebrated 107 FundLife participants who completed important stages of their education. From June to September 2026, our focus shifted toward what comes next: helping children and young people begin a new programme year with continued access to safe spaces, practical learning, trusted mentors, and opportunities to develop skills beyond the classroom.

As schools reopened for the 2026–2027 academic year, FundLife reconnected with learners, families, teachers, and partners to strengthen the support surrounding young people. This meant continuing play-based education, introducing new participants to available learning opportunities, developing student leaders, and strengthening pathways that connect education with digital, leadership, and future-ready skills.

Through your continued support, FundLife reached 486 children and young people during the reporting period, providing opportunities to learn through play, develop practical knowledge, build confidence, and participate more actively in their schools and communities.

Key Highlights from June – September 2026

• Reached 486 children and young people through play-based education, leadership development, mentorship, and other learning opportunities designed to complement their formal education and strengthen skills for everyday life.
• Delivered 19 football and futsal sessions integrating Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM). Through play, discussions, and practical activities, young people strengthened their understanding of safe drinking water, water-borne disease prevention, personal hygiene, environmental risks, and actions they can take to protect their health and wellbeing.
• Facilitated 3 youth leadership sessions on the plastic crisis and youth-led climate action, helping participants understand local environmental challenges, reflect on their role in addressing them, and strengthen their confidence to lead practical climate action in their schools and communities.
• Welcomed more than 200 new learners, parents, and teacher focal persons into the 2026–2027 programme year through reorientation activities at three partner schools in Dulag. The sessions introduced learning opportunities for the year while reinforcing safeguarding and the shared roles of learners, families, schools, and FundLife in creating safe and supportive environments.
• Expanded learning opportunities for 200 girls in Tacloban by orienting students from newly partnered Department of Education schools on opportunities in play-based learning, digital and financial literacy, career readiness, leadership, and mentorship—creating additional pathways for girls to build confidence and practical skills alongside their formal education.
• Created opportunities for young people to connect and lead through the International Youth Day Festival, bringing together 60 youth from different schools and communities at the Dulag Dream Academy. Team challenges and shared activities helped participants practice teamwork, build new relationships, and strengthen their confidence to participate and lead within their communities.
• Opened new learning and career pathways for more than 50 college students from Eastern Visayas State University – Dulag Campus, building on FundLife’s existing digital mentorship partnership and introducing opportunities in leadership, digital learning, livelihood, financial literacy, mentorship, and practical skills development to help students prepare for future academic and professional pathways.

Looking Ahead

The start of a new school and programme year reminds us that keeping young people engaged in education requires more than helping them remain in the classroom. They also need safe spaces to learn, adults and peers who support them, practical skills they can use in everyday life, and opportunities to see what may be possible for their future.

In the months ahead, FundLife will continue strengthening these pathways through play-based learning, mentorship, digital skills, leadership development, and closer collaboration with schools, universities, families, and communities.

Thank you for continuing to stand alongside FundLife and the children and young people we serve. Your support helps ensure that learning does not stop at the classroom door—and that more young people have opportunities to learn, lead, and build toward the futures they choose.

With gratitude,
The FundLife Team

Links:

• FundLife and EVSU Renew Partnership to Expand Opportunities for
• Beyond Our Differences: Young People Unite Through Leadership an
• From Plastic Waste to Learning Spaces: Students Lead Plastic for