During the service trip in Iloilo, the Philippines, our first activity was to visit a residential community.We joined the Saving Group session held by our partner, #ICM. It taught the disadvantaged community important lessons about business fundamentals, financial planning, and investing. It assisted the members to create their own business venture, e.g. producing and selling bags of cleaning powder.
There we met Rhealee, an optimistic and positive single mother. Rhealee has bravely faced her own health challenges while single-handedly raising her child. Rhealee’s sole source of income comes from crafting sturdy and durable roof tiles out of banana leaves, which she sells for 2 pesos each. Living in tight circumstances, Rhealee and her child rely on water fetched from a distant well, and her child’s school lunch often consists of plain rice. For additional food supplies, she must walk 30 minutes to the community market.
After joining the Saving Group, Rhealee has been able to save money through her hard work and improve her quality of life. Even though she no longer needs to borrow money from community members, she remains eager to help others in need. Rhealee embodies the virtues of optimism, resilience, and kindness.
Witnessing these living conditions firsthand was a profound experience that has ignited our passion to make a difference.
Join us in our commitment to give back and uplift communities in need!
