Your Generosity at Work: Technology Empowering Rural Scholars

At WE Foundation, every donation you make brings us closer to changing lives and creating opportunities for those who need them most. Thanks to your generosity, we recently delivered eight used Mac computers and one laptop to our scholars under the Self-Reliant Farm Scholarship Program in Culion, Palawan. These computers, purchased entirely through donations, are now fully set up and giving our scholars access to the digital tools they’ve long needed to enhance their education.

The journey to deliver these computers to the farm was a true collaboration. Thanks to Rachel Sison and her sister, and my aunt and cousin, Nini and Sabrinah Aidasani, who generously volunteered their luggage space to transport the first five computers, and my colleague Hesam Tavakoli, who donated one of the devices. In Manila, Rosie Dela Cruz kindly provided her family’s home as temporary storage until Fr. John's assistant, Toto, could pick them up. For the second batch of three Macs and a laptop, the same friends again offered their luggage space. Just last week, Toto picked up all the luggage and completed transporting all computers to the farm.

Even with the generosity of these friends, transporting the computers from Manila to Culion incurred costs of PHP 5,000 ($90). This, too, was made possible through your donations. Every contribution you made not only funded the purchase of these computers but also ensured they were transported with care and arrived safely in optimal working condition.

These computers are already making a remarkable impact. For the first time, our scholars can access online resources to expand their learning, prepare for college entrance exams, and develop essential computer literacy skills that will open doors to future opportunities. In a rural community like Culion, where educational resources are limited, having access to technology is a game-changer. It bridges the gap between isolation and opportunity, empowering these young minds to dream bigger and achieve more.

None of this would have been possible without you. Your support has provided not just computers, but also hope, empowerment, and the tools to build a brighter future. We are also deeply grateful to the friends who volunteered their luggage allowance, saving us thousands of pesos in shipping costs, and to Toto, who ensured the safe delivery of these precious resources.

As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded that there is still so much more we can do together. Your donations are making a real, tangible difference in the lives of these scholars. With your continued support, we can bring more resources, opportunities, and hope to the communities we serve. Thank you for believing in our mission and for being part of this journey to transform lives.