The Bright Lights project focuses primarily on providing ‘catch-up’ education, literacy, life and vocational skills to children and youth from poor squatter communities in the Philippines.

Recognising the limitations of the local public education system, this project is establishing a community learning centre with programs designed to meet the unique needs of ‘out of school’ youth. Small family-like classes offer individual help and students can quickly accelerate from 1-3 grades in a year. A holistic approach addresses the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs. The program also teaches practical skills such as personal grooming and hygiene, along with opportunities to learn skills that will enable students to get employment at a later age.

This specialized teaching provides the pathway to entering formal education that will assist students to achieve academic sufficiency so that in the future they will be able to read, write, obtain jobs etc. and become effective members of their community.
Youth are provided with opportunities to become literate and learn life and vocational skills. Links have been developed with businesses to provide on-the-job training and apprenticeships and open the doors for full-time employment.

Key Areas of Investment

• Community Education Centre
• Scholarships
• Catch-up education
• Life Skills
• Vocational training