We are proud that 111 of our sponsored children are in college this year. Some of these are young people who thought they would never be able to finish elementary school. In the Philippines, education is not free and too often children of the poor just don't go to school and the cycle of poverty continues. With the help of you Partners, Sponsors and Friends, that cycle has been broken for many young people. Our college students are studying subjects like chemical engineering, computer science, accounting, nursing, education, psychology and social work. Some dream of going even farther to become lawyers and doctors. They dream of things that would have been beyond their dreams not so long ago. You have made the difference by providing what they need for education. One of our pastors often tells them, "Education breaks the cycle of poverty." 

We don't provide everything the college students need and most of their families are unable to help them financially. We help with a small monthly allowance, but they work hard to get scholarships and they work part-time jobs. The pastors help them find grants and other ways to help pay their expenses. For them to graduate from college is truly a colossal accomplishment and we are proud of them.

Here are some comments from some of our college students:

Lorille: My eldest sister was an FCM scholar. She graduated (in accounting) and now works for a big company. Now she sponsors a younger child who needs help for school. I want to be like her someday. Thank you, sponsor, for helping us to finish our course.

Chidchares: I thought I could not enroll for this semester of college because I had a big balance of unpaid tuition. I prayed to God and He showed me to use my talent to make money as a dance instructor. Thank you, my sponsor, for your help to me because the income of my father is only enough to buy our daily food at home.

Jelmar: I pray that I can finish this course because my father is sickly (and unable to work) and my mother left us when I was 7 years old. Pastor Rudy said to set my mind on something that is higher for God. Thank you sponsor. You are an instrument of God.

 Jheanepher: Every day I sell peanuts to my classmates in the school. The majority of them are Muslims. Slowly I have learned their dialect and they respect me, especially because they know that only my mother is my support since my father died. Thank you sponsor, for your help to me.

Ruben: We are living in the midst of the garbage site and my mother is sickly. She needs medicine every day. I put my hope in the Lord as Pastor Rudy said to set my mind on something that is higher for God. Sponsor, thank you so much because you are a gift from God to me.

Thank you again all you Partners, Sponsors and Friends! You make impossible dreams come true.