The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) and the Charity First Foundation Inc. are strengthening their collaboration to provide educational support to underprivileged students and address the teacher shortage in Filipino-Chinese schools.
The partnership was discussed during a visit by FFCCCII vice president and supervisor of the culture and education committee, Co Kin Hung, to the foundation on Aug. 7.
The initiative focuses on two key areas. First, the FFCCCII will help introduce Charity First’s successful model to other Filipino-Chinese community organizations, with the goal of helping more underprivileged students.
Second, the two groups will guide students through scholarship projects to study Chinese-related courses. After graduation, these students would be encouraged to work at Filipino-Chinese schools, helping to alleviate the critical shortage of teachers.
Charity First Foundation Inc. was established in 2001 by a group of Filipino-Chinese philanthropists who sought a long-term solution to poverty after providing initial disaster relief.
In June 2002, the foundation launched its “From the Street to the Campus” education project, which has since helped 654 students graduate from various fields, including education, accountancy, engineering, and healthcare.
The foundation selects scholarship applicants through a point ranking system that evaluates academic transcripts, social worker interviews, and a home visit.
Beyond financial aid, the program provides comprehensive support. All students are required to attend life skills and motivational seminars to enhance their study habits, interaction, and public presentation skills.
The foundation also holds annual sports games in February to cultivate sportsmanship and friendship, and requires all students to perform four hours of community service each school term to foster a sense of civic responsibility.
The FFCCCII said that by combining Charity First’s experience with the resources of more Filipino-Chinese associations and companies, they could help a larger number of students from marginalized families.
