By Deron Denton.
Education provides the tools that help children break the binds of poverty. That’s why one of our primary goals is to provide children with early-education programming, giving them what they need so they are ready to learn.
In primary school, we provide school supplies and, whenever possible, access to books and computers in our libraries and tutoring assistance in our community centers. In secondary school, additional assistance, such as transportation stipends, scholarships for continuing education and vocational training, becomes increasingly important.
“I enjoy doing anything that involves teaching,” says 21-year-old Vincent, from Quezon City, Philippines. “I love kids,” he adds, which makes what he is doing now – tutoring at the agency’s computer lab – a perfect fit.
A graduate of our program, Vincent seized virtually every educational opportunity presented to him as a sponsored child and youth. “I received school supplies from the time I was in kindergarten,” he recalls.
Vincent (in back) seized every educational opportunity that sponsorship offered. Today he is a tutor.
As soon as he was eligible – at age 12 – Vincent became active in our youth programs, including the Youth Health Corps. As a peer educator, he taught others about reproductive health. “I was teaching people who were older than me,” Vincent says. “That’s how I learned to handle a class. It all started there and continued throughout my sponsorship years until now.”
As the oldest sibling of a large family, the benefits were a huge help and crucial to ensuring his younger siblings could stay in school. In high school, Vincent received a transportation stipend from the agency because his school was far from home.
Later, Vincent served as a member of the Youth Council and received a HOPE scholarship, allowing him to earn a bachelor’s degree in information technology. He recently helped develop the Quezon City agency’s computer literacy course.
“When I teach, I feel empowered,” Vincent tells us. “That’s why I am glad to have this opportunity to teach sponsored kids computer basics. Computer literacy is very important for everyone,” he adds.
For many of our families, if they have access to computers and the internet, they usually cannot afford the fees. “That’s why it’s great that we have our own computer center,” says Vincent. “It’s free, and they really have a chance to learn.”
Across the globe, Children International helps children and youth receive assistance that boosts their self-esteem and odds of success.
Marco (at right), 11, was having problems in his English class in Quito, Ecuador, because he didn’t have enough one-on-one time with his teacher.
Working with his community center tutor, Marco improved his grades. He now tutors younger kids in English (as in the photo above).
Joanne, 8, in Legazpi, Philippines, relies on her community center’s library for homework support and to build reading skills. “Whenever I have important assignments in school,” says Joanne, “I always think first of the library center. They always have the books that I need for my lesson.”
Carla Mae, a top student in Manila, Philippines, pays for boat and pedicab rides to reach school using funds from CI. Though abandoned by both parents, Carla Mae is upbeat. “When one values education and makes use of the support one receives, one can make it in life,” she says.
Photos and reporting assistance by Carmelinda Carpio.
