Getting a child into a classroom is only half the battle. Keeping that child there, fed, supported, and believing school is worth it, is the harder part. That is the heart of education for children in the Philippines, and it is exactly what Childhope Philippines is working on through its partnership with Ermita Catholic School and the SCF – Asian Development Bank.
If you have ever wondered how a gift to a children’s charity actually turns into a child staying in school, this story is a good place to start. Below, we walk through what the partnership means, how Childhope supports learning beyond the classroom, and what to look for before you give.
Why Education for Children Takes More Than a School Seat
Public schooling in the Philippines is free on paper. In real life, a seat in class is just the start.
According to UNICEF Philippines, about 90 percent of 10-year-olds cannot read a simple text, based on the 2019 SEA-PLM national report. The same page notes that roughly 7 percent of 10 to 19-year-olds, or over 1.5 million young people, are out of school, drawing on the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Annual Poverty Indicators Survey.
Now picture a child who also has to earn money, find a meal, or look after siblings. Childhope estimates that 50,000 to 70,000 children live and work on the streets of Metro Manila. For them, the gap between “enrolled” and “learning” can be huge.
Hidden costs make it wider. According to reports, families can face roughly $90 to $300 in school fees each year, plus workbooks, uniforms, and supplies. For a family already skipping meals, that is a wall, not a bump. That is why the best education support looks at the whole child, not just the tuition line.
What the Childhope and Ermita Catholic School Partnership Means
Childhope recently shared its gratitude for a partnership with Ermita Catholic School and the SCF – Asian Development Bank. The goal is simple: create greater opportunities for Childhope beneficiaries who are currently enrolled at Ermita Catholic School.
Who Is Involved
- Childhope Philippines Foundation, Inc. walks with children and youth in street situations and supports them as they pursue their education.
- Ermita Catholic School gives these learners a place in a school community.
- SCF – Asian Development Bank is a partner in helping open up more opportunities for the children.
What This Support Is Meant to Do
The message behind the partnership is clear. Education is more than getting a child through the school gate. It is about giving that child the support to stay, learn, and succeed.
In practice, that means three things Childhope keeps coming back to:
- Staying in school. Children with unstable home lives are the most likely to drop out, so steady support matters.
- Discovering potential. A child who feels seen is more likely to try, ask questions, and dream bigger.
- Building a brighter future. Every grade completed opens another door to work, training, or further study.
Partnerships like this one show how schools, nonprofits, and institutional partners can each carry a piece of the load. No single group can do it alone.
Why This Matters If You Are Thinking of Giving
If you are weighing where to give, a partnership like this offers something helpful: a clear place where progress happens. A named school and a named partner mean the work is anchored in a real school community, not just a promise on a poster.
It also shows that Childhope’s work does not stop once a child gets enrolled. The follow-through, from daily encouragement to steady support at school, is what turns a first day of class into a finished school year. When you support a children’s education cause, that follow-through is what you are really backing.
How Childhope Supports Education for Children Beyond the Classroom
Childhope did not start with school partnerships. For years, its street educators have gone to the children, instead of waiting for children to come to a classroom.
Meeting Children Where They Are
Childhope’s banner program is the Street Education and Protection (STEP) program. Under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) accredited by the Department of Education, children and youth learn through modules with guidance from street educators. You can read the full story in our guide to Childhope’s street education program.
For many children, this is the first time learning feels doable. It is flexible, patient, and built around their reality. From there, some children move into formal school, which is where partnerships like the one with Ermita Catholic School come in.
Looking After the Basics That Make Learning Possible
A child cannot focus on fractions with an empty stomach. Hunger, stress, and safety all shape how well a child learns.
- Food comes first.
- Emotional safety counts too.
- Child labor pulls kids out of class.
Looking Ahead to Young Adulthood
Staying in school is not the finish line. Our reflection on empowering every young Filipino to dream, learn, and thrive looks at what happens as these children grow. For a wider view of how Childhope cares for children, see our piece on every child’s right to care and education, and our look at social protection.
Simple Ways to Support a Child’s Education Today
You do not need a big amount of money to make a difference. Pick the option that fits your life right now.
- Give once or monthly. A regular gift, even a small one, helps Childhope plan ahead for school needs. Start on the donation page.
- Donate by bank transfer. BPI, Account Name: Childhope Philippines Foundation, Inc., Account Number: 3281-0275-48. Childhope also lists GCash, BDO, and Maya as payment channels on its website.
- Volunteer your time. Tutors, creatives, and professionals are welcome. Join the volunteer community.
- Spread the word. Follow, share, and use #igivehope so more people learn how education for children can change a life.
- Partner with us. Schools, companies, and foundations can follow the example of Ermita Catholic School. Get in touch to explore a partnership.
For more on what your support funds, explore all of Childhope’s programs and projects.
Supporting Children’s Education for a Stronger Future
A school seat opens the door, but support is what helps a child walk through it and keep going. The partnership between Childhope Philippines, Ermita Catholic School, and the SCF – Asian Development Bank is a practical reminder that education for children works best when many hands share the load.
If this story moved you, take one small step today. Donate, volunteer, or share this article with someone who cares about children’s futures. Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and dream beyond their circumstances.
Photo credits: Ermita Catholic School