Education is not just about textbooks and exams, it’s also about instilling hope and fostering resilience by bridging classroom lessons with real-world skills.
By Franchesca L. Tuazon
FundLife, a Philippine-based nonprofit organization, embodies the above ethos, dedicating itself to empowering the youth from underserved communities. With a mission to create pathways for personal and professional development, FundLife combines traditional education with life skills that prepare and equip young Filipinos for a brighter future.
Building blocks of a brighter future
Since its launch in 2014, FundLife has focused on using sports, arts and mentorship programs to reach out to different communities in the Philippines.
“Our goal is to not only educate but to ignite hope,” shares Marko Kasic, a British philanthropist and founder of FundLife, emphasizing that their programs are designed to develop life skills that can help youth break free from cycles of poverty.
The organization takes an innovative approach by blending traditional education with alternative learning activities like sports leagues and mentorship programs — bridging classroom lessons with real-world skills like leadership, teamwork and resilience.
“Sport tends to be a bit more fun for kids because for them it’s play, and we believe in the power of play as a vehicle for growth,” Kasic adds.
FundLife’s initiatives serve young people who have limited access to quality education, often due to economic hardships or geographical limitations. How? Through sports programs, digital literacy workshops and arts initiatives, FundLife creates spaces where young Filipinos can learn, play and dream.
“I think it’s also important not just to focus on the development of the child, but also to develop that ecosystem. You want to make sure that everyone is sharing that same message and we’re not the only ones saying they can follow their dreams while everything else is telling them, no, you will never change your circumstances,” Kasic says.
Changing the game
One of FundLife’s programs is its football initiative, Football for Life Academy. For the organization, sports becomes a metaphor for life — teaching discipline, focus and teamwork. Through community football leagues, FundLife connects young people to mentors and coaches who instill values of perseverance and respect.
They also acknowledge the digital gap faced by many Filipino youth. FundLife’s digital workshops provide young people with essential skills to thrive in today’s job market. Participants learn not just how to use technology but how to leverage it as a tool for personal and community growth.
“Often people graduate, whether it’s high school or college, university, and they still don’t really have the experience or the knowledge of how to apply those skills to a professional setting. So, we really try and advocate for apprenticeships, for internships, for on-the-job trainings,” the founder explains.
Kasic also just completed a 600-km running challenge from the top of Luzon to Metro Manila last July in two weeks to promote safe-spaces, education and localized development solutions. The organization believes that Move Luzon is more than just a physical challenge but also a movement to showcase the beauty and potential of communities in Luzon while discovering the diverse landscapes, vibrant culture and amazing potential that exists in every single community and child.
Central to FundLife’s mission is its mentorship program, connecting young people with mentors who can guide them through educational and career pathways. With this network of support, FundLife ensures that its participants feel empowered to pursue their goals and have a role model who can further inspire and motivate them outside education.
FundLife’s vision for lasting change
FundLife’s success stories are as varied as they are inspiring. From students who have gone on to become community leaders to those who have pursued careers they never thought possible, the organization’s impact is clear.
Looking forward, FundLife aims to expand its programs and reach even more communities across the Philippines. The organization continues to call for collaboration, recognizing that partnerships with local government units, educational institutions and corporate sponsors are vital to sustaining and scaling its mission. FundLife envisions a future where every Filipino child, regardless of background, has the chance to succeed.
“We see a Philippines where youth from all backgrounds are empowered, inspired and ready to make a difference,” Kasic says. It’s a vision that moves beyond classrooms, creating pathways of hope and resilience that will impact generations to come.
