Scholars of the Helpful


Some of them are orphans.

A few are abandoned children.

Others have to work odd jobs at a very young age to help their parents eke out a living.

They are all from the poorest of the poor families living in Metro Manila in the Philippines with a monthly per capita income of PhP 1,000 (roughly $ 20) or less.  

But they are among the brightest, most creative and talented students in the country. Though experiencing difficulties in life, these kids manage to have a good scholastic performance.

With a little help from Caritas Manila and other helpful individuals…

Caritas Manila, the lead Catholic agency for social services and development in the Archdiocese of Manila provides more than 8,000 brilliant underprivileged kids scholarships in the elementary, high school, college, and vocational levels with the help of donors, sponsors, and volunteers.

As a requirement, scholars must do their best to maintain an acceptable average or the grant goes to another beneficiary.  Values formation, sacramental appreciation, health and nutrition, livelihood and skills training are also integrated in the scholarship program to help the kids and their families build a better future.

Father Anton C.P. Pascual, President of Caritas Manila, describes the kids as “Scholars of the Helpful.” They are only able to go to school through donations to Caritas Manila.

They are able to dream their dreams.

And hope to fulfill them.

Meet some of these young dreamers…

Monaliza M. Palapus 14 years old “I want to be a teacher.” Monaliza’s passion for learning and sharing her knowledge with other children motivates her to pursue a career in the teaching profession. Her father is unable to work due to pulmonary tuberculosis, so in between school assignments, Monaliza helps her mother wash their neighbors’ laundry to earn some money.

Joselyn Espiritu 15 years old “I want to be an accountant.” Joselyn’s parents died when she was in the elementary school, leaving her and an older sister to fend for themselves. Despite the devastating trials of being an orphan at a very young age, Joselyn has learned to cope with her situation, keeping on with her studies to fulfill her dream.

Jomari B. Sedukis 14 years old “I want to be a dentist.” Jomari loves painting, singing, and dancing so much but he still does well on his academic subjects, keeping his sight on his aspiration. Even if times are always hard for them, Jomari’s father, a construction worker, perseveres to support him in his endeavor to succeed.

Krisha Kaye L. Martin 11 years old “I want to be a computer engineer.” Poverty has forced Krisha’s family to settle in her grandmother’s house. Krisha compensates for her lack in basic needs with an overflowing talent for singing and dancing and the computer skills that accompany her yearning to attain her ambition.

Evnela V. Badiola 15 years old “I want to be an accountant.”  Evnela’s father left the family when she was still a child but it doesn’t hold her back from going after her dream. Now she is helping her mother, a saleslady, raise her two younger siblings while maintaining excellent grades in school.

Oliver M. Piape 14 years old “I want to be a doctor.” Oliver, a science fanatic, was one of the top students in a public school. Caritas Manila transferred Oliver to a parochial school to give him a better chance at achieving his goal.

Mary Grace Castillo 15 years old “I want to be a nurse.” Mary Grace’s father has a debilitating tumor in the spinal cord but continues working to provide for them. This inspires Mary Grace to study even harder to uplift her family from poverty.