World Vision’s Back-to-School Campaign Gives Filipino Children the Gift of Education

What does it take to make a child happy? Gifting them with a new gadget might do the trick, or perhaps a set of trendy clothes or a chest of toys.

At first glance, all of these seem to be great ideas, but there is a different kind of gift that is often overlooked. That gift is the gift that keeps on giving, one that never goes out of style, requires no repair, and only becomes more valuable over time: an education.

Being able to read this short message means that you yourself have received an education. Think about how it has helped you reach new heights and make your dreams a reality. Without a diploma in your hand and a degree to your name, where would you be today? Now, think about how there are over two million Filipino children unable to start or complete school and how that might impact their future. What opportunities would they miss? How much, or how little, of life would they be able to live to the fullest?

Take it from Sofia Caiña, a World Vision Philippines volunteer. Having been gifted with the chance to study in a top school, Sofia has been able to reflect on the power of being able to study. She says, “Education liberates a child from the chains of ignorance, leading him to become equipped with the materials necessary to grow as a person as well as learn and develop the essential skills needed not only to attain his personal success.”

In the same vein, World Vision Philippines World Vision’s Student Ambassador Abbyeliez Legaspi shares that “through good education, I gain new knowledge to improve myself and develop skills to help others.” Emphasizing that children who stay in school not only help themselves but grow into adults who are capable of helping others, she encourages more ordinary Filipinos to become World Vision Child Sponsors.

Two million under-schooled youth is indeed a big number; however, being able to help just one child is one step in the right direction. World Vision Philippines gives every Filipino the chance to offer the gift of a lifetime to one of these children with its Back-to-School campaign. The program gifts World Vision child beneficiaries with a school bag, school supplies, and other items to enrich their learning experience. For as low as P25 a day or P750, you can contribute to a child’s education and make a difference.

At 20 years old, Alexina Christiane D. Ancheta is starting to plan life after college while thinking of how to use her World Vision Philippines volunteer experience for good. Having been fortunate enough to receive higher education, she states that, education is “not only about learning arithmetic, literature, or history, but also learning crucial skills including communication, time management, and leadership… Education minimizes disparities and gaps in society, as students are provided with the tools they need for personal and professional success.” Like other privileged youth, she dreams of giving impoverished Filipino children access to an education so they, too, can see a bright future ahead.

Mark Edrian D. Celemen, a 20-year-old student and part of the World Vision’s Student Ambassadorship Program, adds how supporting other students has helped him see things from a greater perspective of gratitude: “Just as my education has been the cornerstone of my personal success, education can also be a game-changer for other children. It unlocks their potential, fosters critical thinking, and empowers them to chart their own course in life. Education offers them the tools to break the cycle of poverty and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”

Filipinos who wish to do more for World Vision Philippines beneficiaries can also consider becoming a child sponsor. A sponsorship goes beyond helping a child meet their educational needs as the program covers areas of family livelihood, health and nutrition, and the creation of child-friendly spaces in communities. For P750 a month, or just P25 a day, a child’s life can be radically transformed.

Zachi Chua, a child ambassador, shares how her experience with World Vision has opened her eyes to our duties to our community and how we can be agents of change and compassion: “I’ve been praying for an opportunity to serve the Lord. To be able to serve Him through His people, especially the youth. I’m so glad that He answered my prayers and I’m really excited to see how He’ll use me in this journey.”

Reiko Uy, high school students who sought volunteer work at World Vision Philippines, and Yejin Kim, another World Vision’s Student Ambassador, shares: “Have you ever had a goal to achieve something in your life? For us, we can accomplish our goals because we have access to education and tools. But for vulnerable people, a goal is just an unreachable dream. I hope that you too are willing to help and make (children’s) goals come true,” Kim says.

“It is not about how large the amount is, but the meaning and love alongside it. Donating and sponsoring is not for the recognition and popularity. Instead, it is for the lives of the children you are changing. If more people help, even just a little bit, it will inspire more people, therefore creating a positive domino effect in the community,” Reiko ends.

Anyone can be instrumental in helping children get back on track with renewed hope by donating to the Back-to-School Campaign or by sponsoring a child. Contact or email us at wvphilippines@wvi.org