In a small town in Camarines Norte, 16-year-old Alyza stands as a testament to the transformative power of empowerment and education. A top student and a dutiful daughter, Alyza helps her mother run their sari-sari store, supports her siblings with their schoolwork, and consistently earns academic honors. However, behind her achievements lay two significant challenges: a reluctance to socialize and a fear of public speaking.
“My mother always encouraged me to join World Vision activities, but I was hesitant,” Alyza recalls. “I only participated because Mama insisted. I didn’t want to interact with others.”
Yet, Alyza’s journey from a reserved honor student to a confident community leader didn’t happen overnight. With the support of World Vision’s #GirlsCan campaign, Alyza attended workshops and seminars that not only educated her on crucial topics like children’s rights and online safety but also helped her overcome her fears.
Through World Vision, Alyza found a mentor and friend in Mikay, another sponsored child and youth leader. Together, they volunteered in community activities, inspiring younger children to follow in their footsteps. “World Vision pushed me to be more active, and now I want to encourage others to do the same,” Mikay shares.
Alyza also developed a strong bond with her sponsor from the United States, who regularly sends her letters filled with encouragement and support. “My sponsor has had such a positive impact on my life. We share our experiences, and it feels like having a faraway friend who truly cares,” Alyza says.
The sponsorship provided Alyza with more than just emotional support. She received school supplies, Christmas baskets, and hygiene kits, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic and Typhoon Goni. The financial literacy program introduced by World Vision also enabled Alyza’s family to save and sustain their needs during tough periods.
Reflecting on her transformation, Alyza remarks, “World Vision has helped me in so many ways. The same trainings I once reluctantly attended are now the foundation of my growth into a child leader. I hope more people would sponsor young girls like me because we have talents and skills just waiting to be discovered.”
Why You Should Support the #GirlsCan Campaign: Empowering the Future of Filipino Girls
Alyza’s story is just one example of how World Vision’s #GirlsCan campaign is making a profound impact on the lives of young Filipino girls. Facing systemic challenges such as poverty, limited access to education, and social discrimination, girls like Alyza are often forced into adult roles too early. Yet, with the right support, they can break these barriers and achieve their full potential.
Launched in celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, the #GirlsCan campaign focuses on providing girls with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. Education, community engagement, and financial assistance are at the heart of this initiative, helping girls like Alyza rise above their circumstances.
World Vision Philippines calls on everyone to be part of this change. For as little as Php 25 a day, you can sponsor a girl and contribute to her education, healthcare, and overall well-being. These small acts create a ripple effect, empowering girls to uplift themselves and their communities.
Join the Movement: Support #GirlsCan
Supporting #GirlsCan goes beyond financial donations—it’s an investment in the future of Filipino girls and, by extension, the future of the nation. Every contribution provides girls with the resources they need to thrive, from education to healthcare, ensuring they have a safe space to grow and pursue their dreams.
As Rommel V. Fuerte, Executive Director of World Vision Philippines, aptly puts it, “When we support girls, we create a ripple effect that transforms families, communities, and even nations. Empowering one girl is empowering generations.”
In a world where girls face significant challenges, campaigns like #GirlsCan demonstrate the power of collective action. By supporting this initiative, you’re helping to create a society where girls can rise above obstacles, realize their potential, and become leaders in their own right.
To learn more about how you can support the #GirlsCan campaign or become a sponsor, visit www.worldvision.org.ph . Every step taken toward empowering girls today is a step toward a brighter and more equitable future for all.
