EcoDemya: From ‘kariton’ to concrete classrooms
Make that ecofriendly: EcoDemya’s facade and classrooms (right photo) are powered by renewable energy sources.
MANILA, Philippines – It has been said all too often: Education is the most significant foundation for one to achieve a good future. Indeed, having a quality education provides an opportunity for an individual to break free from the grip of poverty and avoid social judgment.
However, the fight for free education remains one of the hurdles to true progress and change.
Despite the worsening state of free education in the Philippines, two organizations recently united in a bid to fight for children’s right to education by launching a school that would serve as a place of refuge for the out-of-school youth.
The Dynamic Teen Company (DTC), famously known for its “Pushcart Klasrum”, headed by 2009 CNN Hero of the Year Efren Peñaflorida, in partnership with QBE Foundation, recently inaugurated EcoDemya – a two-story eco-friendly building situated in Amadeo, Cavite that is especially powered by renewable energy sources.
In Brgy. Halang, Banay-banay stands the simplicity of EcoDemya’s architectural facade, which was built to promote environmental awareness and also tailor-made for conducive leaning.
The school’s inception paves the way for aspiring students to finally achieve their goals of finishing their studies and ultimately join the work force.
“It has been my ambition to help as many children as I can and to change their lives for the better. Ecodemya is a step further for me and DTC in fulfilling this purpose. We’re so lucky that we have partners like the QBE Foundation in making all these possible,” Peñaflorida said.
EcoDemya aims to provide free education to those who truly deserve it. It welcomes children, mostly dropouts, who are incapable of continuing their studies and also believe in the value of learning.
“Ecodemya represents progress in Philippine education in its simplest form” Karen Batungbacal-De Venecia, executive general manager of the QBE Group Shared Services Centre said.
“We are able to provide education to those who can’t afford it, and lead them to opportunities for livelihood, employment and sustainability,” she added.
EcoDemya is already accepting applications and currently has 27 Grade 11 Senior High School students. As it formally opens its program this coming schoolyear, a rise in the number of enrollees is expected.
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