Amid poverty, things are #Posible

MANILA, Philippines – In a place where squalor and negativity thrive, how do you make things possible?

In permanent shelters called Vitas Katuparan along Road 10 in Manila, one witnesses just how heartbreaking human existence can be. Oversized families live in extreme poverty, scavenging a steady means of livelihood, and restaurant leftovers make up staple meals. Surviving on a day-to-day basis is the topmost priority, at the expense of hygiene, healthcare, and education.

That’s just one layer of the reality, though, and can still be solved with enough aid and attention. How about kids getting demotivated to study because of the situations they face; parents who have resigned themselves to a life of sifting through garbage bins? Truth is, the emotional layer of their reality is the harder nut to crack, but is equally relevant an issue.

This is where Young Focus, a non-profit organization based in Manila decided to bank on. Their idea is simple: Inspire the residents of the permanent settlement and give them a glimmer of hope, that despite the challenges and setbacks, living out of the poverty cycle is #Posible.

“There were billboards in every building that promoted liquor, and we believe that it sent a wrong message. It’s like we’re promoting alcoholism, and many children in the area see that,” Paul van Wijgerden, Young Focus founder and executive director notes.

In December, they replaced these billboards with photos of some of the residents, and the photos came with inspiring messages that anchored on the theme “Posible”. The children, teens and families are only some of the beneficiaries they support through educational and livelihood programs.

Present in the poorest areas in Manila like Vitas Katuparan and Temporary housing, Young Focus believes that education is the best way to combat poverty.

“There is no fast solution to poverty. Education is a long-term investment. You won’t see the results right away, but when these children graduate, they will be able to help their families and we think that is more sustainable,” van Wijgerden explains.

Currently, Young Focus serves over 1,500 students from preschool to high school. Aside from this, the organization also conducts programs to combat malnutrition, and special programs for out-of-school youth.

The organization also invests in arts development among children and youth through Tondo Creations, a project that Miss World 3rd runner up Catriona Gray supports.

With all the projects and programs at hand, Young Focus believes that people can contribute their talent and skills to be able to help their fellowmen.

“We have volunteer program for teachers, educators, and artists – those who want to expand their wings in a bigger reality,” he says.

Paul and Young Focus’ actions might be small, but every small action creates a bigger impact. And in the years to come, nothing will stop them from making things #Posible.