Young Education Advocates: Bernice Guingona and Julia Popple
One is never too young or too old to make a difference.
We’d like to highlight two amazing young women who are helping Mano Amiga fulfill its mission of providing more disadvantaged children access to the education and support they need to reach their dreams and build a better life for themselves.
Bernice Guingona
At a young age, Bernice has already spent a lot of time volunteering for the causes she’s passionate about- serving as a Youth Ambassador for ABS CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, and raising funds for various various relief operations. Bernice is currently taking a gap semester off from Boston University where she’s studying Communications. She decided to use her free time to volunteer at Mano Amiga, where she currently helps out with implementing virtual after-school STEM programs and fundraising initiatives.
How did you learn about Mano Amiga?
I learned about Mano Amiga through my high school, Everest Academy, which maintains close ties to MA. Throughout high school, we learned about and supported Mano Amiga’s mission through different fundraising initiatives and programs.
Why did you decide to volunteer?
I wanted to get more involved with Mano Amiga because access to quality education is moving further out of reach, now more than ever. I want to learn the ins and outs of the Mano operation and hopefully help maximize its impact.
What is your dream for the country?
I want to see more social mobility, starting with an empowered youth dignified with access to basic human necessities and opportunities to thrive.
Julia Popple, 19
Julia is currently a second year at the Ateneo de Manila University studying AB Art Management. She’s passionate about the arts and sharing it to others. Tapping into her strength in drawing and graphic design, Julia helped develop and improve the different communication materials of Mano Amiga’s various programs.
How did you learn about Mano Amiga?
I learned about Mano Amiga through my Lolo (Grandfather), who is the President and Chairman of the Board of Mano Amiga Inc.
Why did you decide to volunteer?
After graduating high school, I had a long break before starting college so I looked around for an internship. Fortunately, I was able to volunteer as an intern in the Mano Amiga Foundation for around two months. I’ve always been interested in working for a school or in the education field in general so it was a great opportunity for me.
What is your dream for the country?
I dream for a country where learning and consuming the arts is easily accessible for everyone. I think it’s important that young Filipinos experience the arts at an early age because through this they get to learn how to express themselves in a variety of ways and enhance their creative thinking. When it comes to our country’s future, I believe it should be in the hands of the most creative and imaginative minds.