Benny and I have been blessed to travel to numerous different countries including multiple trips to the Philippines. Those trips to the Philippines were primarily vacations where we experienced amazing natural wonders and beauty, but also saw the reality of 3rd world living and its limitations. During those trips and over time since, we have felt compelled to give our time, talents, and resources to make an impact on humanity starting with children in the Philippines.

We are in the planning phase now to do charitable work starting in mid-2024. I am retiring this year and will get things rolling by establishing a 501c3, making contact with potential donor/funding sources, and identifying the resources we will need on the ground in the country including a facility, volunteers, kitchen equipment, tables, chairs, utensils, TVs, audio/visual equipment, etc.

Summary

This project will provide an environment that emphasizes the importance of education as a pathway out of poverty for children living in barrios near San Fernando, Philippines. While overcome with daily hunger, many children do not do well in school or do not go to school at all. Many families live in poverty and their children experience hunger daily. Many of the children living in poverty need to be nourished physically and mentally to become healthy adults. Without education, families continue to be stuck in poverty. This is a generational problem requiring systemic changes to set the children on a pathway of learning, higher education, faith, and belief in themselves and their future.

Solution

This will be accomplished by providing them with the first meal of the day before school to start each day physically nourished, and in turn encourage educational nourishment in school. We will also provide faith-based educational messages, English language support, and create a nurturing environment overall.

Long Term Impact

With improvement in daily nourishment, encouragement to pursue education, supported with faith-based messages, vulnerable children will be provided with much-needed nutrition for the body, mind, and soul, positioning them to elevate themselves and their future families out of poverty.