MANILA, Philippines — Her weekdays are spent as a full-time faculty member at Our Lady of Fatima University, and Saturdays are devoted to graduate studies in clinical psychology.
But for the past 5 years, Jedda Punzalan’s Sundays, have, without fail, been reserved for the kids of Tondo.
Having grown up in an informal settlement under the Doroteo Jose LRT station, Jedda knows the struggles of the poor — it’s not just about getting resources for survival, but feeling loved and finding purpose in living.
Learn what Jedda does as a volunteer at Project Pearls and what inspires her to keep helping kids.
Youth helping youth
Alexander Hess just finished high school, and he’s eager to see more of the world. Before pursuing further studies, the 18 year-old German decided to volunteer in a different country.
He now works for Christian Mission Service Philippines in Cavite, helping abandoned youth.
He finds that a new culture and lifestyle, simpler than he’s used to, can be challenging. But it’s worth it, particularly when he sees how the children can still look at the world with hope — even if they’ve gone through difficult things.
He hears their stories of struggle, and in turn, he tells them all about his life in Germany. He is positive that they would get to experience the same blessings someday. — Rappler.com
Midsummer Sky Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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