MANILA, PHILIPPINES – In the Philippines, almost 11 million children and youth are out of school. While public education is free, many families struggle with other expenses that come with it, leading to students dropping out. Thus, award-winning strategic marketing agency TeamAsia reinforces its commitment to championing children’s education with its advocacy campaign, My Dream in a Shoebox (MDIAS).
When MDIAS was launched 17 years ago, it initially focused on collecting shoeboxes, now called dream kits, that will hold together school supplies to help kids achieve their dreams through education.
MDIAS has since expanded its efforts with financial assistance to scholars under its Dream Scholarship Assistance Program and donations to its beneficiary partners.
“We believe that no child should ever have to choose between their education and financial circumstances, so with MDIAS, we don’t only provide children with tools, we also fuel their dreams. We empower them to dream big and write their own story without having to worry about the lack of resources,” said Monette Iturralde-Hamlin, Founder and Chairperson of TeamAsia, and Co-Chief Dream Builder of MDIAS.
From promise to progress
MDIAS partnered with the Yellow Boat of Hope, a non-profit organization that makes education more accessible to Filipino children in remote and poverty-stricken areas through various essential resource initiatives, one of which are e-hubs for blended learning and better access to connectivity and tech platforms.
“Collaborating with organizations that share our vision for education and empowerment allows us to create a more substantial and lasting impact. Together, we can provide the tools and opportunities that will transform lives and communities,” said Anton Lim, co-founder of YBH.
In 2024 alone, MDIAS was able to raise funds to provide the Yellow Boat of Hope (YBH) with an educational hub consisting of six computers, a year of internet service, a printer with materials, school supplies, hygiene essentials, and logistical support.
Last year, MDIAS also distributed over 5,000 dream kits, 300 of which were received by the beneficiaries of the Payatas Orione Foundation Inc. (PAOFI) at the Atis Covered Court, Area B., Brgy. Payatas in Quezon City.
Fueling the future of the youth
Charlotte Rosalijos, a process associate working in a logistics company and a PAOFI scholar, shared how MDIAS made a difference in her life.
“I was inspired by the story of a MDIAS volunteer who’s an accountant, and I realized that pursuing accountancy was worth it because I saw the life she led. I want to grow up to be like her – that’s why I’m also starting to volunteer and hopefully become part of a larger volunteer experience,” said Rosalijos.
MDIAS’ continued efforts made a difference in as many as 400,000 lives. Thus, now more than ever, it’s driven to help more children by equipping them with necessary tools to learn.
MDIAS urges everyone to be a part of a bigger movement for the future of children. You can join this campaign by becoming a partner, donor, or volunteer. For PHP350, you can sponsor a dream kit, and for PHP3,000, you can help provide a child’s educational needs and learning materials for one school year. MDIAS also welcomes monetary donations for dream kits, food, and logistical support. More information can be found on https://shoeboxcampaign.teamasia.com/donate/.
“All we ask is for us to take a really good look at what we can do to make the future of children better, how we can provide them with support, and how, in our own ways, we can make bigger dreams come true,” said Bea Lim, President and CEO of TeamAsia, and Co-Chief Dream Builder of MDIAS.
