A Filipino student was recognized by Youth Service America (YSA) for championing quality education especially for impoverished youth.
Through its “Everyday Young Heroes” awards, the US-based organization has cited University of Santo Tomas Nursing student Qjiel Mariano for his initiatives related to literacy and global citizenship.
Mariano, 20, was among the youth coming from different countries who were recognized for “finding their voice, taking action, and making an impact in their communities.”
At 15, Mariano founded “Streets to Schools” which is a youth-run organization that aims to empower out-of-school children and youth.
Mariano’s group also launched several initiatives such as Alitaptap (Firefly Child’s Rights Gaming App) as well as SDG short film competitions.
To help youth identify the needs of their communities and create a book that advocates for the fulfillment of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals SDGs, Mariano and his team also came up with “Ladders to Literacy.”
Despite the challenges brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Mariano spearheaded various initiatives efforts to ensure that those learners who are left behind the most can still learn.
Mariano and his team continue to work with stakeholders from different communities nationwide by creating local chapters of “Streets to Schools” to reach marginalized learners and indigenous youth - especially those who are living in remote places.