Hope for Filipinos: Bad Bodenteicher Association fights for education!

Hope for Filipinos: Bad Bodenteicher Association fights for education!

In the idyllic Bad Bodenteich, Annika and Svenja Quednau volunteer in the “Mabuhay Helping Hands” association. Since its founding in 2014, which was recognized as a registered association in 2022, this young association has particularly supported women and men in the Philippines with a focus on education. Such initiatives are of immense importance, especially for young people like 18-year-old Generose, who is starting to study after a difficult life in the St. Agnes children's home. In the Philippines, not having a degree often results in an income of just three euros a day. The association is currently providing nine students with the necessary funds, without which these opportunities and dreams would remain unfulfillable.

The association's support offerings are wide-ranging: in General Santos it helps former children in care; in Calauan, victims of sexual abuse are cared for in the St. Margaret children's home; and in Cebu, a slum project provides for the basic needs of around 70 children from the poorest backgrounds. School materials, food and medical care are provided, while a tutoring program helps the learners. There is also a girls' house in Cebu that offers a safe home to young women who have experienced sexual violence. “Mabuhay Helping Hands” ensures that donations go directly to those in need and organizes regular projects and fundraising campaigns that also enable personal contact between sponsored children and supporters, such as az-online.de reported.

Education as the key to overcoming poverty

In the Philippines, many children live in abject poverty, especially in cities like Manila. Access to education is an almost impossible dream for many of them, as parents are often unable to cover the necessary costs for school materials and transport to school. Some children even have to work on the streets or end up in prostitution. According to estimates, more than 20,000 children are affected by these circumstances, with those from rural and migrant families in particular suffering from the lack of resources and social offers. This depressing reality is also highlighted by kindernothilfe.de.

The education system in the Philippines is characterized by major challenges: “Officially free” schools often have hidden costs that are prohibitive for poor families. Overcrowded classes and a lack of individual support make learning even more difficult. This is where aid organizations come into play that create alternative educational offerings to make it easier to access high-quality education. Nevertheless, structural deficits can only be eliminated selectively. Indigenous, migrant and ethnic minority children in particular are severely disadvantaged. As gradido.net describes, a common good approach such as a basic income for every family could open up new opportunities for children. Education, neighborhood help and social participation must urgently be promoted in order to give future generations a perspective.

The responsible work of “Mabuhay Helping Hands” is a good example of how locally committed people can tackle global challenges. Regular visits to the Philippines by Annika and Svenja show the association's commitment and strengthen hope for a better future for many young people. Together we can help overcome barriers to education and take a stand against persistent poverty.