Project PEARLS
Think Human Fund
Mission & History
Founded in 2008 by mother and daughter Melissa and Francesca Villa, Project PEARLS began with a heartfelt mission to support impoverished children in the Philippines. What started as a focus on education has since evolved into a comprehensive initiative addressing the many facets of poverty. Through scholarships, medical assistance, and community development programs, Project PEARLS has become a lifeline for countless families in need.
Project PEARLS is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty and improving the lives of children and families in need. By providing education, health care, and basic resources, the organization helps people overcome their challenges and supports lasting development in marginalized communities in the Philippines.
Country Information
The Philippines, with a population of approximately 115 million, faces notable challenges despite its economic diversity and growth. A significant portion of the population is under 18, and while overall literacy rates are high, educational attainment and functional literacy are lower in impoverished areas. Economic disparities persist, with around 16.6% of people living below the poverty line, particularly in rural regions. Although unemployment rates are improving, youth and less urbanized areas still face significant employment challenges.
The Need
Project PEARLS aims to address educational disparities among children in underprivileged communities in the Philippines through our Educational Scholarship Grant initiative. These children face significant barriers to quality education due to financial constraints, limited resources, and the effects of systemic poverty.
The Project We Fund
The Project PEARLS Scholarship Program supports underprivileged children in the Philippines by covering essential educational expenses, including tuition, uniforms, books, and transportation. Beyond financial aid, the program provides health and nutrition services, mentoring, tutoring, and personal development workshops to ensure students’ overall well-being and academic success. This focused initiative is a key component of Project PEARLS’ broader mission to provide accessible, quality education and holistic support to children in impoverished communities. Your funding is vital to advancing this impactful program.
The Result
To track progress, the team will:
Data Collection and Analysis:
– Gather data on attendance, graduation rates, test scores, and workshop participation.
– Use interviews, focus groups, and surveys for qualitative feedback.
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E):
– Implement a framework with clear success indicators and use baseline/end-line evaluations to track changes.
Regular Reporting:
– Share regular reports with stakeholders to maintain transparency and adjust strategies as needed.
Technology and Tools:
– Employ software for data management and digital platforms for real-time tracking.
Impact Stories:
– Highlight success stories to demonstrate the program’s impact.
Stakeholder Engagement:
– Gather ongoing feedback from students, educators, and community members to refine the program.
2025 Midterm Report
Project PEARLS in the Philippines reveals significant positive impacts on the lives of scholars and their families. The project directly benefitted 60 scholars by providing comprehensive support such as scholarships, school supplies, hygiene kits, and transportation assistance. This has led to noticeable improvements in academic performance, confidence, and life skills of the beneficiaries.
The project also indirectly benefits around 300 people, including family members, by reducing financial stress and enhancing community welfare. Through engaging activities such as workshops and field trips, scholars experienced academic and personal growth.
Testimonies
“I am an 18-year-old scholar from Tondo, Manila. I am an incoming first-year college student taking up Bachelor of Education major in English at Universidad de Manila. I have been a Project PEARLS scholar since 2015. I was a Grade 3 student when I became part of the program. Since I was young, I have believed that education is the most important key to a better future. I know that if I graduate with a degree, I will have a stable job that can support not only myself but also my family. We are among the less fortunate in Tondo, Manila. The money my mother earns is barely enough for us to survive. Most of the time, we face difficulties, especially when it comes to school expenses. When my father passed away when I was 7 years old, it was my grandmother who took care of us while my mother worked to provide for our needs.
The only organization that has supported us is Project PEARLS. I remember the time when my family didn’t know where to get school supplies before the school year started. We were also struggling to find ways to pay for my school needs. Everything became easier when I became a Project PEARLS scholar. Every year, they provided me with school supplies. They also helped me financially, especially when I needed to pay for school requirements. Because of Project PEARLS, I met people I never thought I would meet. The workshops they conducted helped me understand more about the world beyond school. They gave me ideas and prepared me for real life challenges. I was also able to visit places I never thought I could go. The field trips helped me learn while enjoying the experience. The events and activities they provided taught me many lessons I can apply in real life. Project PEARLS truly helped me in many ways.
I am very grateful to Project PEARLS and its sponsors, including Think Human Fund and Concentrix. Because of you all, my journey as a student became easier and more hopeful. Now that I am entering college, I am confident that they will continue to support me. As a Project PEARLS and Think Human Fund scholar, I promise to do my best and not disappoint you all.” -Rica-
