An abundance of Daniels
Local #AkoSiDaniel gains international attention
The statistic is shocking: Over 1.2 million children are out of school in the Philippines. But the good news is, that number is getting smaller according to the new data released by the Department of Education. Poverty, natural disasters, and a poor educational infrastructure are among the factors that keep school out of reach for the poorest of our children—these same children who most desperately need an education to create an opportunity to build a better life for themselves and for their families.
A new generation of young activists and philanthropists stepped forward to help change that. Inspired by the viral photo of a homeless nine-year-old boy,
Daniel Cabrera, using a box for a desk and the light of a McDonald’s store as his lamp, a new movement has emerged using the hashtag #AkoSiDaniel, a movement supported by students at various universities. Among them are students at the University of the Philippines Diliman and Visayas.
Youth organizations such as Kaya Collaborative have been instrumental in pushing the message forward. But youth organizations aren’t the only ones fighting for this noteworthy cause. Organizations such as Teach for the Philippines and Food for Hungry Minds have joined the AkoSiDaniel.org campaign.
“A child with a good education is one generation out of the cycle of poverty. This makes education society’s most worthwhile investment in its future. Let us all do our part in ensuring that a good education will be a right for all.” says Candice D. Jungao, executive director and principal, Food for Hungry Minds School, Inc.
“Education is essential for any country, especially in the Philippines. I’ve come back after 13 years to my elementary school in Camotes. This photo symbolizes the beginning of my journey to be an educator for the people of this country. This is my way, no matter how small, of raising awareness for quality education access in the Philippines.” says Anthony Garciano, Kaya Collaborative fellow.
“One of the reasons we moved to the US was for the education opportunities at the time. Now if those who already have access to education in the Philippines might view it as “not enough,” what about those without? And while education access is important— let’s keep in mind the importance of a supportive community within.” says Stephanie Dofitas, Kaya Collaborative fellow.
“Education can mean liberation, but as long as it is exclusive, there is the danger of perpetuating systems that oppress the marginalized and the poor. I am standing behind Daniel Cabrera who lives and studies on the streets of Manila, and all other Daniels in the Philippines who deserve quality education access,” says Gabbie Santos, Kaya Collaborative fellow.
#AkoSiDaniel was the brainchild of Evelin Weber, a former television host, author, model, Wall Street entrepreneur, and founder of The Philippines Foundation. The international foundation provides medical, educational, and job skills training support to low-income adults and disadvantaged children focused solely on the Philippines.
“Thousands of people are now supporting the #AkoSiDaniel movement for one simple reason,” says Weber. “If 1.2 million children in the Philippines have no chance for an education, the Philippines can never develop in the way it has the potential to do so. One little homeless boy—so determined to learn that he studies on the street—has made people realize that an education for all is in all of our interests.”
In partnership with Crowdrise, an American-based technology company which enables users to build support for causes they care about, Weber has launched a crowd-funding website that allows users to share their own #AkoSiDaniel photos and to contribute to the cause for education in the Philippines.
A large number of Filipino celebrities have joined the campaign including Derek Ramsay, Iza Calzado, Richard Gomez, Mariel Padilla, Marc Nelson, and a whole lot more. International celebrities like Nicole Scherzinger have also contributed to the cause.
The Crowdrise site also allows users to sign an international petition calling on the governments of the world to adequately fund education for all children no matter where they live.
The petition is part of a global movement called Up For School, the flagship campaign of A World at School, launched by former British Prime Minister and current United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah Brown. In her capacity as the Philippines Ambassador for Up For School, Evelin Weber will join Mr. and Mrs. Brown this September at the United Nations General Assembly to present the petition to hundreds of heads of state.
“I love the Philippines, and no matter where I go I am proud to call it home,” says Weber. “But it is no longer acceptable that those born into poverty are not able to improve their lives through education. But I have hope.”
And the very change Weber is hoping for seems to be happening. Two Philippine global youth ambassadors are joining Weber in New York City to represent their peers back home. Szia Darene Martin and Kennith Gregory Dillena will travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly to support the youths who are now vying for their voices to be heard.
As international and local celebrities collaborate with students, philanthropists, and lawmakers, it is no accident that the cries of school kids in the Philippines are now getting the international attention it rightfully deserves.
With education getting the spotlight in this year’s United General Assembly’s meeting, Weber’s hope of universal education in the Philippines is becoming less of a hope and more of a reality. But, it is evident that there is still room for improvement. “We all have to do our part, no matter how small. Together and collaboratively, each one of us can help unlock the wider power and benefits that education can offer. The Philippines may not have made its goal, but we’re close,” Weber says.
One little homeless boy—so determined to learn that he studies on the street—has made people realize that an education for all is in all of our interests.