The Importance of Livelihood Programs

The importance of livelihood programs has always been evident with how well education programs are pursued and implemented in different communities. One can identify that a community has strong support systems when their worries are not about sending their children to school, but more about growth and further shared and equitable prosperity.

Education is like a toolbox. It’s something you forget you have but always use when you navigate through life.

Much like a toolbox filled with specialized instruments, education equips us with a diverse set of intellectual tools. Whether we need to solve a complex problem, critically analyze a situation, or communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds, our education gives us the right tools to accomplish this. 

The tools inside our toolbox aren’t just for academic purposes; they’re practical instruments that enable us to navigate the ever-changing landscape of life. 

What are Livelihood Programs?

Livelihood programs are initiatives that extend a helping hand to vulnerable individuals and communities facing socio-economic challenges. 

In some ways, livelihood programs reflect a quote from the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” What’s great about these programs is that they tackle the challenges from a foundational standpoint. They identify the issues, find the fundamental root causes, and address them.

Importance of Livelihood Programs

Livelihood programs can play an important role in enhancing education for those without full access to it. These programs help communities fill their toolbox and better seek career opportunities, healthcare access, and other means of support.

Here are some of the few reasons why livelihood programs are important:

1. Poverty Reduction

Extends a helping hand by lifting individuals from the grips of poverty through valuable skills and opportunities. Livelihood programs guide individuals toward a brighter future by equipping them with the proper life toolbox and uplifting people from the burdens of poverty, offering them a chance to thrive and live fulfilling lives.

2. Sustainability

Promoting eco-conscious practices, and preserving a healthy environment for current and future generations. Some Livelihood programs focus on the health of the planet that we all live in and provide impactful solutions to minimize the effects of climate change, especially in typhoon-vulnerable cities.

3. Education

Providing the support and resources needed for people to stand tall and overcome the challenges they’re currently facing. Livelihood programs acknowledge the circumstances marginalized individuals face and address them through the value of education.

Our Collaborative Efforts

A sign of a successful country is a thriving education system. In the Philippines, education poverty is still one of the biggest challenges that needs to be addressed. Poverty, in general, remains a significant concern in the Philippines. It is important for families to have sufficient resources such as nutrition, education, and employment.

But we can’t solve the country’s education problems all by ourselves, right? 

That’s why throughout our 15 years of involvement in the community, we have always valued teamwork and collaboration, especially with other foundations.

Here are a couple of our existing partners:

1. The Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation 

The Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation is a volunteer-driven foundation that works to improve children’s access to education. Their mission is to ensure that every Filipino child has the means to experience a quality education by providing solutions that allow students to have daily access to schools, excellent teaching, and exposure to broader horizons. The foundation also has livelihood outreach programs that are able to support these children’s families

2. Payatas Orione Foundation, Inc.

Proper nutrition is what fuels us to pursue our dreams. PAOFI provides scholarships to students, serves them nutritious food, and treats patients with TB in Payatas. Their mission is to develop holistic, dynamic services and outreach programs that cater to the immediate and long-term needs of the poor in the Philippines. Among these efforts include providing less fortunate children in Payatas and Lucena with access to scholarships, health, and nutrition services.

We cannot exaggerate how instrumental these collaborations are in implementing each of our individual community-helping efforts, touching the lives of children not just in Metro Manila but also in different provinces.

How Does My Dream in a Shoebox Support the Youth and Families in the Livelihood Aspect?

My Dream in a Shoebox is an educational advocacy program that has been doing outreach activities to underserved communities in the Philippines. Starting 15 years ago, we continue to aim to equip children with the tools they need to continue their education and pursue a brighter future. While different from livelihood programs, we share the same passion for helping communities.

We achieve our objectives through our annual campaign and initiatives that aim to empower students from disadvantaged communities:

• Helping build Education Hubs that can provide an adopted school community with working laptops equipped with stable internet access and printing equipment;
• Sponsoring a scholar’s education for 1 year; and
• Dream kits filled with school supplies and tools they’ll need to pursue their education.
  

Pledging your support to My Dream in a Shoebox can help ease access for youth to technology and livelihood education resources.

Get involved, change lives, and pledge your support today!