The Issue
Poverty in the Philippines is widespread and leads to children struggling to participate in school or complete assignments, or dropping out of school, and to malnutrition, which has short-term and long-term consequences on the child’s health and overall development.
Access to educational tools and food are two ways we help the children in the Philippines reach their full potential.
Education
Providing school supplies to children in the Philippines helps ensure they have the tools they need to learn, potentially increasing their chances of staying in school and succeeding academically, while also addressing economic hardship that can force children to prioritize work over education.
Here's a more detailed look at the benefits:
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Access to Education:
School supplies are essential for learning, and without them, children may struggle to participate in class or complete assignments.
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Reduced Financial Burden:
For many families in the Philippines, the cost of school supplies can be a significant financial strain, potentially leading to children dropping out of school or being unable to attend at all.
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Improved Academic Performance:
When children have the necessary tools, they are more likely to succeed academically and develop their full potential.
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Breaking the Cycle of Poverty:
Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty, and providing school supplies can help ensure that children have the opportunity to learn and improve their future prospects.
Food
Residents in many areas in the Philippines are food insecure – they cannot rely on access to sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food at all times, increasing the risk of poor health outcomes. Long-term food insecurity can affect learning, development, productivity, physical and mental health, and family life.
In 2024, a significant 44.7% of Filipinos, including children, experience moderate to severe food and nutrition insecurity, with 28.8% of children under five suffering from stunting (low height for age), which is higher than the world average.
Stunting is a form of malnutrition where the child has a deficiency in nutrient intake. Malnutrition also manifests as wasting (low weight for height), underweight (low weight for age), inadequate vitamins/minerals, and diet-related non-communicable diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.