Pampanga Province, Philippines—In a small, rural town in the Philippines, Save the Children of the Developing World (SCDW) has left a lasting impact at San Pedro Elementary School, a public school serving about 300 students from kindergarten to grade 6. This initiative, driven by SCDW’s commitment to improving educational opportunities for children in underserved areas, has provided much-needed school supplies and educational materials to children from low-income families.
This project holds particular significance as it marks SCDW’s first initiative in the Philippines after expanding its efforts to the country. SCDW, which has been dedicated to improving the lives of children in developing countries, recognized the growing need for support in the Philippines' rural communities. San Pedro Elementary School, located in the neighborhood of San Pedro, San Simon, Pampanga, was the recipient of this first project, demonstrating SCDW's commitment to addressing educational challenges in the region.
The project was made possible through a unique connection with Jazmin Yap, an elementary school teacher at San Pedro Elementary and a longtime friend of the mother of Joshua Oconer, President of SCDW. Through this connection, Oconer reached out to Yap and coordinate the distribution of vital educational supplies to the students in the community. San Pedro Elementary, the only school in the neighborhood, is a crucial resource for local children, many of whom are unable to afford private schooling.
The school’s operations are typical of the public education system in the Philippines, where resource constraints often hinder students' access to essential learning materials. Teachers in kindergarten through grade 3 generally teach all subjects, while students in grades 4-6 are taught by subject specialists. While the school provides an education, the limited resources can make it difficult for students to reach their full potential. Most children in the community come from lower-income families, and without the support of additional resources, they face challenges in keeping up with their education.
SCDW recognizes the significant barriers children in areas like San Pedro face. In many Filipino rural communities, access to basic school supplies is a luxury. Private education remains out of reach for many families, leaving public schools as the only option for many children.
It is within this context that SCDW stepped in to make a difference. Through its partnership with Yap and the school, SCDW provided vital educational supplies, including notebooks, pens, pencils, school bags, and other essential materials. In addition, art supplies and other resources were donated, offering the students new opportunities to enrich their learning experience. These supplies were carefully selected to address the most pressing needs for each grade at the school, ensuring that the students had what they required to succeed.
The impact of the project was immediately felt by both teachers and students at San Pedro Elementary. According to Yap, the provision of educational materials led to a significant improvement in the students' academic performance. The response from the school community was also overwhelmingly positive. A heartfelt thank-you message from the school on Facebook expressed deep appreciation for the support provided by SCDW:
"Thank you so much Save the Children of the Developing World foundation (SCDW), for coming all the way from New Jersey to extend help to San Pedro Elementary School learners. The school supplies and educational materials you donated to 296 school children will greatly help them in their educational journey. And for this, we are forever grateful. Special thanks to the SCDW president Joshua Oconer for organizing and leading the event. God bless your generous hearts!"
The collaboration between SCDW and San Pedro Elementary was made possible thanks to careful planning and the coordination of efforts. After the funds were sent in early October 2023, the necessary supplies were procured and packed within days, ready for distribution by October 6, 2023. The efficiency with which the school mobilized was a testament to the strong partnership formed between SCDW and the school’s staff.
For Joshua Oconer, president of SCDW, the project was more than just an opportunity to give back to the community in the Philippines. It was a personal mission inspired by the values instilled in him by his immigrant parents:
“Growing up with Filipino immigrant parents, I was taught to always be thankful and to give back to others. Inspired by that lesson, I joined SCDW, which gave me the opportunity to pursue a long-held dream: giving back to the Philippines. With the support of Yap and the dedicated team at San Pedro Elementary School, I was finally able to make that dream a reality. Walking into the school courtyard and seeing the children’s bright smiles and excitement made all the planning and meetings worthwhile. Making a difference here feels like coming full circle and a heartfelt way to honor my roots."
The positive response from the San Pedro community underscores the importance of this project. It is clear that the students’ access to the proper learning materials can significantly enhance their educational outcomes, giving them the tools they need to succeed. Teachers and parents alike expressed deep appreciation for the support provided, as the donations helped create a more conducive learning environment for the students. The project not only provided immediate relief in terms of supplies but also contributed to the long-term educational development of the children in San Pedro.
This project at San Pedro Elementary School exemplifies the impact of collaboration between individuals, organizations, and communities to address the needs of underserved children. It also highlights the role of SCDW in fulfilling its mission to improve education and quality of life for children in the developing world. The success of this initiative is a reminder that even small efforts can have a profound effect on a child's future, particularly when it comes to access to education.
As the school year progresses, the students of San Pedro Elementary School will continue to benefit from the resources provided by SCDW. The smiles of the children and the gratitude of the school staff reflect the success of this partnership and serve as a reminder of the difference that can be made when communities come together to support those in need. This project, SCDW’s first in the Philippines, is just the beginning of many more efforts to come as the organization continues to expand its mission in the region.
About Save the Children of the Developing World (SCDW): SCDW is a NJ Nonprofit Corporation based in Bayonne, New Jersey and managed by a group of diverse, young adults who are dedicated to improving the wellbeing of children living in third-world countries by providing them with the tools to pursue their interests and become the person they dream to be. They have been ranked Platinum on Guidestar—a nonprofit information service—for being transparent on their different projects and how they have worked towards fulfilling their mission.