Make a Difference: Fuel the Future of our Young Dreamers

Kids are dreamers. They naturally dream big—they want to be doctors, lawyers, businessmen, policemen, and even a President someday. However, a lot of our dreamers are experiencing hardships even in the early stages of their lives of achieving their dreams primarily because they lack enough resources to stay in school which is mostly their basic need to study. 

My Dream in a Shoebox in Action

Last September 8-9, 2023, through My Dream in a Shoebox and ANZ, we were able to support the dreams of 660 kids within the areas of Rizal through our partner beneficiaries in Karangalan Elementary School and Liberty churches in Cainta, Parola, Binangonan, Cardona, and Teresa. 

As a volunteer in our church organization’s feeding programs for children, it was also an incredible experience to be part of My Dream in a Shoebox education program. Witnessing the joy and excitement on the faces of these children as they received their dream kits was truly heartwarming, and it was also fulfilling knowing that the simple things we did for them were already making a positive impact on their lives. 

It is indeed a joy in our hearts to see the genuine smiles of these kids receiving their dream kits, filled with excitement to go to school because they are provided with basic necessities for their studies. As simple as this, we are already powering up their dreams.

Challenges Faced by Students Today

As a firm believer that children are the hope of the future, we must also be the ones to power their dreams and give them reasons to continuously dream big and fuel their hopeful hearts that they will surely achieve what they want to be someday. 

There are various hindrances that affect a student’s education:

• Economic Instability

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority reports, the number of working students rose from 872,000 in 2020 to over 1.48 million in 2022. However, many children, especially in remote areas, go uncounted and often must work on farms or in the streets to support their families instead of attending school, which can be costly. Rising education costs and living expenses create financial burdens, leading to stress and tough decisions about education.

• Mental Health and Well-being

According to our previous blogs, How Do Family Problems Affect Students in The Philippines? and What is the Greatest Challenge That Students Face Today? Students face several challenges affecting their mental health and well-being such as academic pressure, social media and technology, and family and personal problems.

• Time Management and Organization

Balancing academics with extracurriculars, work, and personal life can overwhelm students. Many struggle with time management, leading to feelings of being stretched thin and missing deadlines. Online distractions, such as social media and entertainment, hinder focus and prioritization. Procrastination worsens these challenges, resulting in last-minute cramming and heightened stress.

• Academic Support and Resources

Not all students have equal access to quality education and resources. Socioeconomic status, geographical location, and technology access create disparities in learning opportunities. Teacher shortages and overcrowded classrooms further limit personalized support, making it challenging for students to receive the guidance they need to succeed academically.

We are Beacons of Hope

It is important to be part of the movement to support these children’s education because truth be told, not all of them are privileged to receive proper education. That is why My Dream in a Shoebox is very dear to our hearts as it provides ways and opportunities to connect the volunteers and partners who are willing to be part of this educational support to help empower the dreams of these little children. By supporting these kids we are also encouraging them that there are people and organizations out there that believe in their capabilities and are willing to support them.

Here are a few impactful ways you can support students through My Dream in a Shoebox:

1. Donate Dream Kits
   Dream Kits are filled with school supplies and tools, giving students the resources they need to continue their education. These kits can include basic items like notebooks, pens, and pencils, which are often taken for granted but are essential for students to engage in their studies effectively.
2. Fund Educational Hubs (E-Hubs)
   E-Hubs equip an adopted school community with laptops, reliable internet access, and printing facilities to create a conducive learning environment. By supporting the establishment of E-Hubs, you help provide the necessary infrastructure for students to succeed in their educational endeavors.|
3. Support a Scholar’s Education
   Sponsoring a student’s education for a year provides them with the vital support they need to pursue their studies. This support can cover tuition fees, school supplies, and other essential needs, enabling students to focus on their learning without the burden of financial constraints.
4. Volunteer and share your time
   Sharing time and skills makes a meaningful impact in areas like conservation, education, and social justice. Volunteering fosters connections, empathy, and understanding of societal challenges. Every hour helps build a more equitable and compassionate world.

There is power in simple things that we do to support these little dreamers. Through these dream kits, we are already supporting our future doctors, lawyers, businessmen, and our future leaders. Let’s help them build the blocks to their future success and make their bigger dreams happen.