“What’s inside your backpack?”
For most children, it’s a simple question with ordinary answers. But for the young dreamers across these three Filipino communities, their empty backpacks once carried something heavier than books – they carried the weight of unfulfilled dreams.
Through Pure Bayanihan’s school supplies drive, these backpacks are now filled with notebooks, pencils, and the tools these students need to learn. Working together with community advocates, the initiative helps ensure that more Filipino children can focus on their studies rather than worry about basic school supplies. This is an important step on their fight to end the cycle of poverty in their generation.
Here are three vibrant communities that we supported with their back-to-school drives:
Northern Samar: Where Sinag Carts Light the Way
In the province of Northern Samar, the Sinag Cart project has already become a blessing for students at the University of Eastern Philippines. Building on this success, Pure Bayanihan partnered with Sinag ng Hilaga, a student-led organization, to extend our reach to the elementary students of Barangay Suba, Poblacion 1, and Barangay Cabacungan.
Sixty children from indigent families received essential school supplies, including notebooks, bags, pencils, and water bottles. The joy on their faces was palpable as they clutched their new belongings, ready to face the school year with renewed enthusiasm.
San Manuel, Pangasinan: A Church’s Mission of Education
In Sitio Lomboy, the PCGAMI-House of Prayer Church took on the challenge of supporting 50 indigent learners through the Balik Eskwela Program. Pastor Liwayway G. Madamba’s vision of education as a key to success resonated deeply with Pure Bayanihan’s mission.
From elementary to secondary students, each child received a carefully curated package of supplies. The distribution event at the church was filled with laughter and words of gratitude.
Zambales: Empowering Aeta School Children
In the remote Sitio Binuklotan of Botolan, Zambales, the Ayta community faced unique challenges in education. Pure Bayanihan’s previous projects had already sown seeds of change, but the need for school supplies remained pressing for 53 Aeta school children.
The project not only provided essential materials but also instilled a sense of belonging and importance in these young learners. Tribal council leaders took an active role in monitoring the distribution, showing the community’s full support in helping their children get an education and succeed.
Investing in the next generation
Across these three diverse communities, Pure Bayanihan’s school supplies drive has ignited a spark of hope. It’s not just about pens and paper; it’s about showing these children that their education matters, that their dreams are valid, and that there are people who believe in their potential.
The impact extends beyond the classroom. Parents feel supported, teachers are encouraged by their students’ renewed enthusiasm, and communities are strengthened by the knowledge that they are not forgotten.
As we reflect on the smiles of these children, we are reminded of the power of collective action. Pure Bayanihan’s mission to create sustainable livelihoods finds its perfect complement in nurturing the minds that will shape the future.
Join us in Making a Difference
The journey doesn’t end here. There are countless more children across the Philippines who need our support to unlock their potential through education. You can be part of this transformative movement that will help the next generation end the cycle of poverty. Together, we can fill backpacks with supplies and hearts with hope. Let’s continue to write this beautiful story of change, one child, one community at a time.
