Seeds of a dream

Last May, the country proudly celebrated the news that two Filipino public school students will be attending Harvard University on a full scholarship. Carl Audric Guia from the University of the Philippines Rural High School in Los Baños and Aryenne Ysabelle Rodrigo from Compostela National High School were our first public school graduates to be accepted into the prestigious university.

In an interview, Rodrigo, an aspiring environmental scientist, shared that she had always known her parents could not afford to send her to college. With her father juggling the roles of a farmer and a tricycle driver, their family struggled to make ends meet. For her, the scholarship was not just a ticket to higher education; it was her family’s lifeline to a better future.

Education is often called the great equalizer. However, with the reported 90-percent learning poverty rate in the Philippines, it is evident that high-quality education remains elusive for many children. And as long as access to high-quality education is only reserved for the few families who can pay high tuition fees, education will just be another tool in reinforcing socioeconomic disparities. Guia and Rodrigo’s achievements, while undoubtedly inspiring, remain exceptions in a system where they should be the norm.

Last week marked my 15th year with an organization dedicated to tackling this very challenge. In 2008, we founded Mano Amiga Philippines, a nonprofit organization committed to offering education, livelihood, and skills training opportunities to underserved communities. At the heart of our flagship program, Mano Amiga Academy lies a simple idea: creating an exceptional but affordable school for children who would otherwise be denied access to a quality education.

Mano Amiga means “helping hand” in Spanish, a symbol of our mission to extend a hand to those in need. Our inspiration stemmed from the success of alumni from Regnum Christi-run Mano Amiga schools in Latin America, where the institutions have been around since 1968. One story that always resonates with me is that of Fr. James McKenna, a priest who helped establish the first schools. After undergoing a life-saving heart bypass procedure in one of Mexico’s premier hospitals, Father McKenna asked to meet with the surgical team so he could thank them. To his surprise, the head cardiologist asked him: “Father, do you remember me? I used to be one of your students in Mano Amiga.”

Back in 2008, all we had was a PowerPoint presentation, this story, and the vision to replicate the same success in the Philippines. I will always feel indebted to the first people who donated to the project. While it is relatively easy to support a project with a proven track record, it takes a great leap of faith to believe in a story and a dream.

Fifteen years later, we now have our own stories to share. Our first two batches of graduates are now in universities, studying to be doctors, pilots, and engineers. Some are even studying education and expressed their desire to teach in Mano Amiga someday.

More than the academic formation, what fills me with the greatest pride regarding Mano Amiga is our commitment to providing personalized and tailored support. When someone recognizes and believes in your potential, you feel it, and it changes the way you interact with the world around you. In our work, we witness these kinds of transformation every day: students who were once afraid to speak up, now confidently giving class presentations; children who entered with behavioral problems now actively leading school activities. Our success would be inconceivable without the dedication of our teachers and staff. They always seek to give the best of themselves, so that each student has the best possible chance to succeed.

Some may argue that investing in scholarships yields “small” impacts. Given the larger focus on sustainability metrics, many funders seek projects that boast high numbers and easily quantifiable results. Yet, I appeal to all who have the power to support education: Please continue to allocate funds for scholarships. You are not just helping one person, you are investing in a depth of impact that can uplift families, communities, and generations. At our recent high school graduation, Christian, a scholar since he was 5 years old, addressed the donors in the audience: “Wait for us, and watch us continue the cycle of generosity that you have started.” As a former scholar myself, I can personally attest to the transformative power of education. A profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity I had been given, kindled in me the desire to give back and led me to advocacy work. This is the same personal “why” that constantly fuels my love and commitment to my work in Mano Amiga, 15 years after our journey began.

A famous line in the musical “Hamilton” goes, “What is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.” The journey to equal education is a collective endeavor, and every seed we plant today holds the promise of a brighter tomorrow for all.

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