Right now, there are still millions of young girls worldwide who do not have the chance to go to school, either because they are forced into child labor, child marriage or child pregnancy. In the Philippines, according to a survey released by the Philippine Statistics Authority, 63.3 percent of the Filipino out-of-school youth are girls. And what has been the main reason for such a high percentage? Marriage and family matters.
As a growing problem, World Vision Philippines recognizes the need for action. In line with this, the organization launches “1000 Girls,” a global movement that intends to help 1000 Filipino girls through the organization’s child sponsorship program.
The project will pave the way for the celebration of International Day of the Girl on October 11.
Real estate mogul Victor Consunji has also taken notice. He and his race partner, Enrico Menichetti, pledged to join and finish the “2019 Fire + Ice Ultra Marathon.” The duo has set up a fundraising page where people can pledge their support not only to cheer for Victor and Enrico but also to empower girls living in poverty. The marathon will take place until today, August 31, in Iceland.
“When we join a marathon, we have a specific goal in mind and that is to reach the finish line. We overcome obstacles and push ourselves to the limit to reach this goal. The same can be said for the thousands of Filipino girls who also have their own goals, dreams and aspirations. Sadly, not everyone has the means to do so because of poverty,” Victor explained. “We believe child sponsorship can help change this.”
Victor and Enrico also ran for the benefit of World Vision children back in 2018. The race partners successfully finished the “Marathon Des Sables,” also known as the toughest foot race on earth.
The funds raised and equally matched by Consunji and Menichetti were used to support World Vision’s nutrition project in Batangas, provide school supplies for children in Malabon, give water facilities in West Misamis and build a new water system in Bohol.
“Enrico and I are dedicating this race to these girls because we want them to know that reaching their dream is possible. We want to empower them through this fundraising run. I hope that you can support Enrico and I as we run another race for children,” Victor concludes.
To know more about “1000 Girls,” visit www.worldvision.org.ph. Follow /worldvisionph on Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram for updates.
