Growing up in poverty-stricken slums next to a city dump site, Efren’’s life was full of struggles.
His parents worked hard to make ends meet. Efren’s dad was a tricycle driver and his mom was a vendor. Even at a young age, Efren knew that it was education that will help him climb out of poverty.
He made sure to always do his best at school. However, Efren was a target to many neighborhood kids who would hang out outside his school. They bullied him or enticed him to join gangs, some even beat him up. When Efren was in fourth year high school at Cavite National High School, the bullying reached a new low: the bullies started to throw rocks at them.
This experience eventually drove Efren and three of his high school classmates to form Dynamic Teen Company in 1997. It aims to divert kids from joining gangs and notorious fraternities.
At the age of 16, Efren began to push a cart of educational materials to teach street kids basic reading and writing skills. Since then, he’s helped thousands discover their love for learning.
Child United’s Help:
“It is an honor to help Efren and his group, Dynamic Teen Company, accomplish their goal of building a learning center in Cavite City.
As I watched Efren’s story above, I am teary-eyed and awed by his strength. He… in all his essense… is the child we are trying desperately to help. I hope through Child United’s influence in the country, we can change the lives of thousands of children together.
Please help us with our mission. Let’s educate the world’s forgotten children and help them climb out of poverty.” — Founder, Christine Umayam
What You Can Do To Help:
Support Child United in our efforts to empower children around the world!
1- DONATE: Every dollar counts!
2- PROMOTE: Tell everyone you know about Child United and Efren’s Dynamic Teen Company. The more awareness, the more help we get!
Read more about Child United’s trip to Efren’s learning center.
