Every year, I see firsthand how many middle school students in Cebu, Philippines, struggle to get the basic school supplies they need. The schools don’t provide anything, so families are left to cover the costs themselves. If you don’t have essentials like backpacks, pencils, folders, and binders, you can’t do your schoolwork or even attend school. This is drastically different from the United States, where some supplies are available, but in Cebu, it’s a requirement that families must meet on their own.

The school year in Cebu runs from June through March, and the same building is used for both elementary and high school students. Elementary students attend in the morning, while high school students attend at night, sharing the same facilities. School isn’t mandatory in the Philippines, and if a child doesn’t make it through elementary school, they’ll never make it to high school. Graduating high school is vital for learning important skills and becoming successful. Many families face a real challenge each year to provide these supplies, especially when they have several children and limited income. This yearly expense is a real struggle for many families.

The impact of your support is astronomically helpful. The kids in Cebu love to go to school, but when they don’t have the tools to learn, it can change their whole life. I’m here to help change that. Your donation will dramatically impact every family, helping children complete high school and giving them a chance to build a better future. Thank you for making a difference—each and every one of you will help a child take a step toward success.