Undeniably the Hero

Nowadays, even though many children aspire to attain formal education, they are compelled to restrain from studying or to drop out of their schools. Poverty and insufficient earnings hinder them to reach for their dream in life.

But Efren Penaflorida Jr., a 28 year old teacher, social worker, who was raised by a tricycle driver and laundrywoman in Cavite City, proved that poverty undoubtedly could be overwhelmed so as not to be a hindrance to do something extraordinary toward their success. During his childhood, he was bullied by gang members in high school. But being poor and victim of gangster, did not discourage him to push through in high school. In order to achieve his dream, he submitted different applications for different scholarships. Luckily and with persistence, he met the requirements and availed himself of the offer of World Vision Philippines to push through his elementary and secondary studies and of Club 8586 for his college degree. Consequently, he received highest honors with a degree in computer technology at San Sebastian College-Recoletos in 2000. He strove hard to do his best in any aspect of his life.

Inspired with the values of sharing and serving, he attempted to return his blessing and put his gifts to good use for the broken children of the streets who cannot afford to go to school the underprivileged, the orphaned, the abandoned, the abused and the neglected ones. He created Dynamic teen Company to serve children who are in slum areas. He initiated the program “kariton Classroom,” his version of bringing the classroom into streets. With the help of members of the Dynamic Teen Company, they teach street children whom they met while pushing a pushcart full of educational materials along the depressed areas. This pushcart inspires and enlightens youth especially gang members. Outside the four corners of a classroom along the streets, they teach them to read, write and learn about values education. In their own way, they have drawn the attention of the children to learning and socialization and kept them away from smoking, illegal drugs, drinking alcohol, pornography, crime and other misdoings.

The program “Kariton Classroom” and Mr. Penaflorida’s deeds are indeed worthy of emulation. His initiative is offering an alternative way of touching the lives of youths nowadays. It also saves the lives of some youth who are in the wrong paths. Truly, education is one of the keys to end the poverty.

The award bestowed on him glorifies the Philippines and put the country once again in good light. May be this be duplicated and gain wider supports both from government, non government and private organizations. May be this also become a catalyst for a more accessible and affordable quality education in the Philippines. May it bring us be more valuable and responsible countrymen in the future. Hopefully, Mr. Penaflorida’s story inspires today’s youth to share their potentials and talents and to be of service. Otherwise, all these awards, prestige and fame would be useless.

“ You are the change that you dream as I am the change that I dream and collectively, we are the change that this world needs to be.”-a meaningful quote from the CNN New Hero of 2009. Truly, this is an example of what we can change when we put our hearts in any kind of work that we do.