Krisselle Atienza, 31, was 8 together with her brother when they started selling dried fish to their community in Hagonoy, Bulacan. She worked hard to earn income for her family. Supporting her parents and three siblings compelled her to stop schooling and find jobs.

Her father is a hardworking fisherman. This serves as their source of income and was able to sustain their daily needs. Her father always did his very best to support the family.

For her, education is really important because it is the primary key for every individual to cultivate skills and talents, to be more educated, to land any job whether local on international and most significantly to be successful someday.

“To all the children with the same experience as mine: Always remember that education and perseverance is the best way in reaching the peak of success that you want. Sometimes you will fail, you will feel discouraged and you will get tired but never give up” Kristina said.

Her dream is to become a successful chef. And given the opportunity to make her dream into reality, she will also be able to fulfill her dream of providing a comfortable life for her family which is one of the major reasons why she is pursuing to finish her education while working.

“I want to humbly spread a message to all the parents who are the main ones responsible to support their children: Whatever the status in your life you must persevere to support every child’s education and raise the value of education. I also want to inspire others that studying while working is always possible and be a role model on the importance of valuing education despite the age, economic status, and challenges in life” she added.

Krisselle pursued her education through the Alternative Learning System Program of the Department of Education and Youth Programs of Good Neighbors International Philippines. Through this, she believes that more opportunities for success will open for her.

In Pugad-Tibaguin CDP, Good Neighbors is working to help community people, like Kriselle, continue their education through government partnerships and capacity building training that will supplement their growth and achieve full potential.