Dumaguete Education Centre

Ensuring a better future for the younger generations in the Philippines

The Dumaguete school centre welcomes 40 young people aged between 16 and 23 from extremely poor families. Dumaguete is a small coastal university town with a population of 120,000, and is the capital of Negros Oriental province. The young people come from rural areas or isolated mountain regions on the islands of Negros, Panay, Siquijor and South Cebu.

The students live in the hostel during their first two years of study and then gain a little more independence from the third year onwards by living in a boarding house (an independent hostel equivalent to a shared flat).

They study at university in a wide variety of fields, including engineering, finance, accounting, human resources, psychology, social sciences, education, etc. Thanks to this scholarship, they have the means to do everything possible to make some of their dreams come true and hope one day to become recognised professionals and in turn help their families.

Throughout their studies, the Centre’s students are monitored and supported by a supervisory team: a Centre manager, a social worker, a houseparent and a Bambou volunteer. Together, they oversee the personal development of each young person, encouraging and guiding them, teaching them responsibility and organising additional personal and professional development activities.

Philippines

Salamat kaayo for your support! (Thank you very much in Visayas)

Shiena Rose Assistant at the centre and former mentee

I initially obtained a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a major in general education. After graduating from university, I passed the teaching board exam and, in February 2020, I obtained my professional teaching licence!

When the position of assistant at the Children of the Mekong centre in Dumaguete became vacant, I seized the opportunity even though it did not exactly match my degree, I am willing to accept any opportunity they can give me, being a former mentee myself.

During my time at the Centre, I was able to experience what it is like to be a member of staff. I was also able to improve my communication skills by leading activities, which will be very important and useful when I start teaching. I learned to be more sociable because the scholarship students are fun and easy to get along with. I also learned a lot from scholarship students, from their life experiences and what they have been through, from the things that are important to them and their priorities.

I believe that once you have chosen a job, you have to love what you do. I am happy with the job I have right now because it teaches me a lot and makes me aware of life. I also believe that there is a perfect time for everything: there will always be a time for me to pursue the career I have chosen. For now, I am grateful to be where I am.

Project Highlights

Allowing motivated pupils from very poor families to continue their education.

Providing these students with a living environment and working environment that enables them to succeed in their studies.

In addition to their academic education, providing students with a comprehensive education that allows them to develop intellectually, emotionally and morally in order to achieve human excellence.

Philippines