Supporting Filipino youths' education at the Cebu Centre

Providing a brighter future to younger generations

The Children of the Mekong centre in Cebu welcomes 48 students coming from extremely poor families. The centre is in the South of the Philipines, on the namesake island Cebu which hosts over 700 000 inhabitants.

At university, they study a variety of different topics such as engineering, finance, accounting, human resources, psychology, social studies, education and more. Thanks to their study grants they have the means to do everything possible to make their dreams come true, and they hope to one day become recognised professionals and help their families.

Throughout their schooling, the students from the centre are monitored and accompanied by a support team: a Bamboo volunteer, a social worker, a centre coordinator and three educational trainers. Together they look after the personal development of each student, encourage them, guide them, empower them, and set up complementary human and professional training activities.

Thank you for your support!

Testimony from Christian Jaralve

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 pupils with a comprehensive education that allows them to develop intellectually, emotionally and morally, in order to achieve human excellence.

Support the education of Filipino Children now!

Philippines

Jhana Mae Student at the Cebu Centre

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!

OUTLOOK FOR 2025: WELL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT UNDERWAY

Due to the intense heat in April, May and June, the centre encountered significant difficulties with its water supply. During these three particularly challenging months, the scholars and the centre’s team had to be resourceful in finding water to carry out essential daily tasks such as washing dishes, showering and doing laundry. This lack of water not only affected the living conditions of the children and staff, but also hampered the smooth running of the centre.

To prevent this situation from recurring in the future, the centre has taken the initiative to build a well. This project aims to guarantee an additional source of water during periods of drought or high temperatures, when water resources are most limited.