How World Vision helped a school rise above poverty
When the rain poured, the narrow trail to Ormocanay Elementary School in Samar turned into a river of mud. But for teacher Grace Bohol, no flood could wash away her resolve to bring children back to class.
MANILA, Philippines — When Grace Bohol was assigned to Ormocanay Elementary School in Samar, she quickly realized teaching kindergarten students was the least of her problems. From the muddy path leading to the school, to high student dropout, to poor parental involvement, teacher Grace faced what looked to be insurmountable challenges. Instead of backing down, she buckled down to work and achieved small victories one by one, thanks to World Vision Development Foundation (WVDF) by her side.
“I remember when it rained back then, the water in the nearby stream would overflow and we would need to walk through mud, or force our way through floods, just to be able to get to school,” teacher Grace recalled.
Yet the biggest hurdle wasn’t the floods or the mud – it was poverty. For many families, economic survival meant every pair of hands counted, including those of young children. Instead of learning the alphabet, these children were in the fields, harvesting rice or helping with household chores.
A partnership that changed everything
Change arrived when WVDF began working with Ormocanay Elementary School. “World Vision’s arrival made all the difference,” teacher Grace recalled. “They drove enrolment, provided essential resources, and lifted heavy burdens from both teachers and parents.”
Ormocanay is one of 10 schools in Samar supported by WVDF. From 2011 to 2025, the organization’s interventions ranged from school supply distribution and teacher training to classroom repairs and child protection programs – many funded by generous donors overseas, including World Vision Japan.
According to Harvey Carpio, WVDF national director, this is their blueprint when working with schools around the country, guided by their mission to aid the most vulnerable children. “In Samar and in many other places across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, we invest in initiatives that address the root causes of poverty and vulnerability – from improving access to quality education and nutrition, to providing opportunities for sustainable livelihood for the families in our area programs. We work in partnership with local leaders and community members, empowering them to build a brighter future for themselves.”
A visit from Japan, a celebration in Samar
On Aug. 5, 2025, teacher Grace finally met the donors behind many of these improvements. Five representatives from World Vision Japan traveled over a thousand miles to visit the school, welcomed by cheering students waving Japanese flags.
Inside a room filled with school officials, teachers, and barangay leaders, teacher Grace shared the school’s 15-year transformation.
“Today, there is already a paved concrete path to our school, stable enrolment, higher literacy and numeracy scores, and students enjoy a library, vegetable garden and an open playground where they come together in hope and joy,” teacher Grace said.
“Even during the pandemic, World Vision’s support did not stop. To ensure continued learning, we received a WIFI booster and prepaid modem that helped both teachers and students. One of the most remarkable support was the construction of a classroom through the generosity of donor Ms. Reiko Yamamoto. It’s a lasting gift provided to the students that made learning both comfortable and inspiring,” she said.
Tetsuro Tomioka, World Vision Japan board member shared a brief reflection on their recent visit: “At Ormocanay Elementary School, I witnessed the impact of the Child Sponsorship Program, which receives support from many sponsors in Japan. The children welcomed us with radiant smiles, and through those expressions, I could clearly see that the support is reaching them effectively and bringing about positive changes in their lives.”
Stronger together: Transformative change
Beyond physical improvements and material support, probably the most significant outcome of this partnership has been the shift in the mindset of the community. Now parents prioritize their children’s education. Now teachers can focus on teaching. Now students are motivated to learn.
Teacher Grace has been promoted as school head and will soon be taking on the challenge of managing a last mile school. She is grateful to leave behind a more empowered school and confident to take on her new role armed with her positive experiences from the last 15 years.
“As a teacher and educator, the impact of these changes holds deep personal meaning. I have witnessed firsthand how our humble school transformed from a struggling learning environment into a thriving and hopeful learning space for children. It reminds me why I chose this profession – to be part of shaping lives and building a better future through education,” she said.
“World Vision did not only uplift our school – they also reignited our passion and commitment to serve, persevere, and belief that change is always possible when people care enough to help and faithfully work together.”
Be part of the next transformation
In the Philippines, World Vision has reached over 150,000 children and 18,000 adults through its various education intervention programs. Their impact can be measured in a number of ways including: a 19.4-percent increase in reading comprehension by Grade 3 students; over 65,000 students receiving learning kits; some 11,000 students getting remedial learning support; over 17,000 students enrolled in digital learning platforms; nearly 570 teachers trained; and over 1,900 parents and caregivers oriented in supporting children’s learning and life skills development.
If you wish to help Ormocanay Elementary School, other schools in Samar, and more schools around the country, you can start by being a Child Sponsor. You can change a child’s life and bring prosperity to his or her family and community with just P900 a month, or P30 a day. Start your giving journey here: www.worldvision.org.ph/sponsor-child/
“Looking ahead, we hope to continue building on this strong foundation,” Carpio said. “Our vision is to further strengthen the capacity of the area programs like this one in Samar, with community leaders at the forefront of their own development. We are committed to expanding our efforts in child protection, education and spiritual nurture.”
“With the continued partnership of World Vision Japan, we are confident that we can create a future where every Filipino child is healthy, educated, protected and empowered to reach their full potential.”
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