Sharing the dream of an SCG scholar

MANILA, Philippines - Fifteen-year old Irus Matias is one of 11 SCG Sharing the Dream scholars at the Calumpit National High School in Bulacan. His dream is to become an engineer. This is his second year in the program.

For most high school students in Bulacan, completing high school was the end of their education. Some would even consider that reaching the last year of the secondary level as a feat because of financial problems of poor families.

But since being awarded a scholarship by SCG, Irus and his family have gone from good to better times. Being the youngest among four siblings, the Matias family looks up to the young man as he surpassed them academically.

The Matias family lives beside the Pampanga River in a neighborhood of houses made of cinderblocks. That’s why they worry a lot during strong rains. But on weekends, the family cuddles together to watch noon-time shows after having lunch.

His first step as an SCG scholar began when a former teacher, SCG school coordinator Lilia Madla, invited him to take the exam which he passed. It even brought him and his family greater joy as he qualified again for this year’s scholarship.

After class dismissal, Irus wastes no time and heads back home. A wall filled with medals greets him as he steps inside his home after carefully wiping mud or sand on the welcome mat. Most of the medals belong to Irus, the rest, garnered by his siblings.

Irus never forgets what his parents tell him – to keep it up, never give up, and always study hard. Having an education is one thing, deserving it is another.

Irus is one among the many lives that have changed, thanks to the SCG Sharing the Dream Scholarship Program.