“We need donations for these children, like pens or notebooks, also volunteer teachers.” Says the American. We have passed by this American while buying some snacks. I find him a passionate one for what he is doing because he teaches these young children without any pay. For the fact that he’s an American and he teaches young Filipino men and women.
Do you know Efren Peñaflorida? Well if not let me tell you a little bit background about him. Kuya Ef to some kids on the streets has been a mobile teacher for his “Kariton Classroom” (push cart classroom). Efren is a teacher and a social worker at the same time.
Today, Efren Peñaflorida is one of the top 10 CNN heroes 2009 to vote for the world. He’s made it there because of his excellence with an outstanding advocacy to teach and educate Filipino children in the streets.
Usually, it is the out-of-school youth and often times street gang members who were taught using the said pushcart classes by Efren and his team of youth volunteers.
Peñaflorida is actually a native of Cavite City where he was born. He was still 16 years old when his advocacy to teach out-of-school children centered in his native town. He is the one who initiated the DTC or Dynamic Teen Company.
He reached out to teen in the community and taught them using this organization as his tool to be able to penetrate in different communities, the underserved Filipino youth. He gave them free lessons and different subject tutorials.
It was every Saturday that Efren and his fellow classmates who started and devoted time in teaching kids and children in slum areas. For the 10 years of his dedication along with some volunteers, DTC now had 10, 000 members wherein part of that population at an estimated 1, 500 children receive free tutorials.
Part of DTC’s curriculum teaches children basic reading and writing to street children which to me is one of the best selfless acts that a Filipino has ever made for his fellowmen. “To you Efren Peñaflorida, we give our full support in winning the quest for the ultimate CNN Hero.”
If you are looking on how to vote for Efren Peñaflorida in CNN Heroes 2009, please visit CNN Heroes ( http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/ )and look for his name with a “vote” button. All you have to do is click the “Vote” button. You won’t even need to sign in or any e-mail which makes it easy to help Efren win.
Efren Penaflorida is a Filipino who teaches Filipino youth too, unlike these American who is not a Filipino but teaches Filipino youth. Isn’t it amazing? He is helping Filipino youth cause he believes that they need education to be successful in life and he believes that the young men and women is the future of our country.
Like kuya Efren, the American has the same goal too. They offers Filipino youth an alternative to gang membership through education. “Instead of being discouraged, I promised myself that I would pursue education,” and I will strive hard; I will do my best.” Says kuya Efren.
ChrisBonism 