Rowena Usop, age 15, is one of the top students at Talayan High School, and a leader among her peers. This rural, Muslim community on the Philippine island of Mindanao is among the poorest, and most violent, in the country. Rowena, one of six children, is the only one of her sisters who hasn’t dropped out of school. “My parents didn’t go to school, and have to work in the rice fields all day,” she explains. Yet while Rowena dreams of becoming a doctor, she has become very discouraged. Her science class had no science equipment, and she was unable to perform even the most basic experiments. A few weeks ago, her prospects changed dramatically. Thanks to a program supported by the Education and Livelihood Skills Alliance (ELSA), her classroom is now equipped with microscopes, magnifying glasses, flasks, and other scientific equipment. “I’m very excited,” she says. “Now we can understand our studies. Before it was impossible.” Rowena is now more determined than ever to go to university and become a mid-wife. “I also want to serve my community,” she says, “and help build the peace.”

Read more success stories