When in Manila, I try to work on projects I am passionate about. One of them is Mano Amiga Academy, a non-profit school, that is currently raising funds to build their first full-scale campus next year.
I’ve been inspired and volunteering with them for around 5 years already at their temporary space in Taguig. The founder and executive director, Lynn Pinugu, is also a good friend whom I’ve seen put a lot of hard work into this. (Read an article I wrote about Lynn when I first met her) And now, with their own land situated in Parañaque, she is set to really execute her vision 100%.
I posted a photo of the school plans on Instagram/FB today and the response has been overwhelming. I think that this school really has the potential to change the education models in the Philippines, especially for underprivileged kids. I always tell people to imagine an international school, with 100% scholars; adopting the standards of the IS schools to students from low-income families. That is what Mano Amiga aims to be. Building a new future may take time, but it’s definitely worth the wait. xxx