EFREN PENAFLORIDA, 2009 HERO OF THE YEAR [Reflection Paper]

Efren Penaflorida has been a role model and an icon for his contribution to
society. His “pushcart classroom” idea which contains school and educational
materials on it made him famous for having such a great idea in helping
unprivileged youth. He developed this idea because he used to be like those
children who were born poor and incapable of studying. He was inspired by his
past life and said to himself that he will make a change in the world, which he
actually did. He came to help and bring hope to his fellow Filipinos and gave
them chances to dream big and believe in themselves. This inspiring story of him
made not only us but the people on a different side of the world proud of his
project.

Efren believes that nothing is possible in changing the world and making it
a better place for his fellow Filipinos. Because of his love for his country’s
people, he made this project possible to teach those poor children and help them
develop a good future. The equality, love, and respect that he has for the
unprivileged children are enough to call him a hero. He knows that those children
can still survive poor life with the help of education. Just like what he told himself
that education becomes his key to success. There are also other people who do this
kind of project and maybe they are volunteers who were inspired by him.
Education is really important to every one of us and helps us reach our dreams. In
addition, this project makes him and the volunteer unite in helping those children.

His contribution is totally successful and inspiring as it helps people who

are less fortunate in life. People should spread and continue doing this kind of
project because this brings hope to the people who can’t afford education. I see
lots of educational and charity vlogs who do the same project, and their objective
is to help and teach children for free. There are lots of Filipinos who want to study
but are incapable but with the help of those volunteers who united to make
projects like this possible, we can see how happy they are for having the chance to
learn and make a better future. As long as there are big hearts who want changes,
there will always be a chance for those less fortunate to be part of the changes.

When I was little, I used to dream big and ask lots of things from my
parents without knowing if it is hard or easy to give. As I grow up, I realized that I
was privileged enough to study and get things that others can’t have. Growing up
seeing poor children on T.V, I told myself that I will study and work hard to be
able to help those who are less fortunate. Since I can’t make projects or charities
like what adults do, what I can do now as a young citizen is to help educate people
whether around me or on online platforms. Sharing is caring that’s why if you are
capable of sharing what you have, don’t even hesitate. We all have a purpose and
I believe that one of them is to help people. It feels great if you do it voluntarily,
just like what Efren said, “Serve, serve well, serve others above yourself, and
always be happy to serve,” Efren tells his co-volunteers. “You are the change that
you dream as I am that change that I dream, and collectively, we are the change
that the world needs.”