What sort of problems are students faced with in the Philippines?
The economic and social context in the Philippines is complex, and schooling faces multiple challenges. Poverty can manifest itself in the form of slums, as is the case in Manila and Cebu. Drugs and alcohol are everywhere and are sources of insecurity and violence. Rural isolation in the most remote islands poses a problem in terms of access to school infrastructure. In urban areas, poverty and corruption are omnipresent. Family breakdown is also very common, with many fathers absent. Overcrowded housing, with sometimes up to 10 people living in the same room, can cause emotional and sexual problems.
Where is the Cebu centre located?
This is the setting for the Cebu centre. Cebu is a narrow, densely populated island stretching nearly 200 kilometres from north to south and about 40 kilometres from east to west at its widest point. Cebu has a population of nearly 700,000 and is the country’s second largest urban area after the capital, Manila. Cebu has around ten universities and more than twelve specialist schools. Children of the Mekong has an educational support centre in Cebu and works in more than 50 surrounding villages.
I would never have come this far without Children of the Mekong.
I come from a family of 11. I am the eldest since my two older brothers and sisters got married. Life was hard during my years at university but thanks to the Children of the Mekong family who accepted me and chose me as a scholarship holder, my life changed completely. I was able to cope financially, emotionally, physically and spiritually with their constant guidance and total support. I finished the race, I fought during my university years, I graduated as Valedictorian of my class. I will never give in and waste the opportunity they have provided me with. The child they support today will indeed take care of his nation tomorrow.
Project Highlights
Enabling motivated pupils from very poor families to continue their education.
Provide these students with a living environment and working conditions that enable them to succeed in their studies.
Beyond their academic education, provide students with a comprehensive education that allows them to develop intellectually, emotionally and morally, in order to achieve human excellence.
When I was told that I had been accepted at the Centre, I cried with joy!
I come from a poor family, but that never stopped me from dreaming. I studied very hard and finished high school with honours. When I told my mum that I wanted to go to university, she said we didn’t have the financial resources. Despite everything, I really wanted to go and find a job that I enjoyed. My dream is to help my brothers and sisters. I want them to have access to education too, so that together we can lift my family out of poverty.
When I told a friend about my situation, she told me about Children of the Mekong. It gave me hope again, but I found it hard to believe that such an opportunity existed! I decided to apply to join the Children of the Mekong centre in Cebu anyway. When I was told I had been accepted, I cried with joy: my efforts had finally paid off and my dreams were now possible.
At the Centre, I am growing and maturing. Children of the Mekong not only helps me financially, but the Centre also allows me to become the strong, independent woman I want to be!I am infinitely grateful to Children of the Mekong, my sponsor and the Centre staff. Thanks to all of them, my dreams and ambitions are possible, and I know that I will achieve them soon!
The centre in 2026
Clubs in the centre of Cebu
In the centre, students must enrol in at least one club: singing, dancing, theatre, etc. They have a choice. These clubs allow them to develop their talents. They learn to set up projects as a group and to perform as a group.
Comprehensive training
Students also have access to various personal development courses: self-love and love for others, ecology, mental health. These courses complement their academic education, helping them to become well-rounded, fulfilled adults.
Activities at the centre
The students are very dedicated to their studies: they are determined to succeed and get a good job so that they can in turn help their families and sometimes even those around them, such as their neighbours.
But it is important for them to have moments of relaxation, where they can think about something other than their studies, with a little more light-heartedness.
We have therefore set up various activities to take their minds off their schoolwork and help them relax:
Sports: basketball, volleyball, table tennis, etc.
Music and karaoke on Sundays;
Film night once a week
The clubs at the centreEssential trainingThe activities at the centre
The centre in Cebu
Children of the Mekong’s activities in Cebu take the form of welcoming students to the centre, where they are provided with food and accommodation and receive social support. The centre opened in 1998 and has since supported 49 students each year.
The centre helps to combat school dropout rates by providing support and guidance, with the aim of offering students the opportunity to develop fully as free, responsible individuals who are confident in their place in society.
Who benefits from this project?
Every year, 49 students live in the centre of Cebu. All sponsored by Children of the Mekong, they study at the University of Cebu. There are 11 boys and 38 girls.
Desiree Bawiga
Thanks to Children of the Mekong, I not only had access to education, but also to an environment that constantly pushed me to grow academically, emotionally and socially.
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